PhD Scientific Days 2025

Mental Health Sciences I.

Correlation of Neurocognitive Tests with Brain Regions related to Alzheimer’s Disease

Name of the presenter

Koszovácz Vanda

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University

Authors

Vanda Koszovácz¹, Gábor Csukly MD, PhD¹

1: Semmelweis University

Text of the abstract

Introduction
Neurocognitive disorders, about 70% of which are attributable to Alzheimer’s disease, are influencing the lives of millions of people worldwide, putting a huge burden on healthcare systems. At the stage of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) early intervention is more feasible and timely initiation of treatment is essential. Structural changes in brain regions such as the entorhinal cortex, the hippocampus and the precuneus can serve as early biomarkers but brain imaging is often expensive and not widely accessible. Thus, cognitive screening tools - such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) - and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) as a comprehensive and broadly used cognitive assessment, play a crucial role in early detection.
Aims
This study aims to examine the correlation between the thickness of the entorhinal cortex and precuneus, the volume of the hippocampus, and scores from the SLUMS, ACE, and MMSE tests.
Methods
SLUMS, ACE, MMSE and 3 Tesla brain MRI scans were administered as part of a larger-scale study, participants were recruited through that study. Seventy-three participants aged 50 and above (mean age = 69.1, SD = 8.22; 38 females, 35 males) completed both the MRI scans and neurocognitive assessments.
Results
Using Spearman’s rho, SLUMS scores correlated with precuneus thickness (ρ = 0.456, p < 0.001), hippocampal volume (ρ = 0.482, p < 0.001), and entorhinal cortex thickness (ρ = 0.193, p = 0.102). MMSE scores correlated with precuneus thickness (ρ = 0.347, p = 0.003), hippocampal volume (ρ = 0.478, p < 0.001), and entorhinal cortex thickness (ρ = 0.195, p = 0.097). ACE scores correlated with precuneus thickness (ρ = 0.377, p = 0.001), hippocampal volume (ρ = 0.485, p < 0.001), and entorhinal cortex thickness (ρ = 0.167, p = 0.157).
Conclusion
The three cognitive tests demonstrated similar patterns of correlation with brain regions known to be affected early in Alzheimer’s disease. SLUMS, in particular, may serve as a practical and efficient screening tool, especially for general practitioners who are often the first point of contact for individuals with emerging symptoms.