Structural and functional connectivity and association to cognitive performance in memory disorders. (360G-Wellcome-096041_Z_11_Z)

Background: Memory disorders are a significant source of morbidity. They are common with over 800,000 patients with dementia in the UK, a number expected to double over the next 20 years. Project aims: (i)Map structural and functional alterations to cognitive performance in diagnostic groups, considering the importance of structural and functional connectivity and integral structures (eg hippocampus) (ii) Explore the role of structural and functional connectivity in the neurobiology of me mory deficits. (iii) Develop novel image analysis methods that may aid diagnosis and understanding. Study Design and Methodology: Three groups will be compared using an advanced multi- modal imaging MRI protocol: a. Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (n=20), b. age/sex matched patients with early Alzheimer's disease (n=20), c. age/sex matched healthy controls (n=20). MRI brain protocol will include structural imaging, DTI, fMRI and Perfusion. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and 7 Tesla MRI scan wi ll be performed on a subgroup. MRI analysis includes voxel wise diffusion indices and resting networks. Neuropsychological testing protocol will be performed. Correlates of MRI findings with neuropsychological markers will be sought. Opportunities: These studies will investigate the neurobiology of memory in limbic encephalitis and Alzheimer's disease. This may help in detection and treatment of these diseases and related memory disorders.