Do 2‐year changes in superior frontal gyrus and global brain atrophy affect cognition?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Metabolic alterations to the superior frontal gyrus (SFG) have been linked to cognitive decline. Whether these indicate structural atrophy, which could be screened for at a larger scale using noninvasive structural imaging, is unknown. Methods We assessed annual structural magnetic resonance imaging scans and cognitive data from 3 consecutive years from 204 participants from the AD Neuroimaging Initiative database (mean age 72.24 [8.175] years). We evaluated associations between brain structural changes and performance in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Everyday Cognition Visuospatial subtest (ECog Visuospatial), and Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Results Changes in the surface area of the SFG were associated with changes in the outcome of the ECog Visuospatial test (P < .05), but an inconsistent pattern of association was found between the 2‐year global brain atrophy progression and changes in the outcome from the three cognitive tests selected. Discussion The extent into which (and if) changes in the SFG influence cognition warrant further evaluation in a larger period in more heterogeneous population.

Keywords

• Brain
• MRI
• Superior frontal gyrus
• Brain atrophy
• Cognitive decline