Open AccessEarly Alzheimer's disease‐like reductions in gray matter and cognitive function with aging in nonhuman primates
Author(s) -
Frye Brett M.,
Craft Suzanne,
Register Thomas C.,
Kim Jeongchul,
Whitlow Christopher T.,
Barcus Richard A.,
Lockhart Samuel N.,
Sai Kiran Kumar Solingapuram,
Shively Carol A.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1002/trc2.12284
Subject(s) - neuropathology , gray (unit) , psychology , neuroscience , pathological , neuroanatomy , cognition , disease , brain size , white matter , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , pathology , radiology
Age‐related neuropathology associated with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) often develops well before the onset of symptoms. Given AD's long preclinical period, translational models are needed to identify early signatures of pathological decline. Methods Using structural magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive assessments, we examined the relationships among age, cognitive performance, and neuroanatomy in 48 vervet monkeys ( Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus ) ranging from young adults to very old. Results We found negative associations of age with cortical gray matter volume ( P = .003) and the temporal‐parietal cortical thickness meta‐region of interest ( P = .001). Additionally, cortical gray matter volumes predicted working memory at approximately 1‐year follow‐up (correct trials at the 20s delay [ P = .008]; correct responses after longer delays [ P = .004]). Discussion Cortical gray matter diminishes with age in vervets in regions relevant to AD, which may increase risk of cognitive impairment. This study lays the groundwork for future investigations to test therapeutics to delay or slow pathological decline.