Cortical thickness changes precede high levels of amyloid by at least 7 years

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is now defined by underlying pathology, with elevated amyloid-beta (Aβ) sufficient for diagnosis in the absence of cognitive symptoms. We combined longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging and Aβ positron emission tomography data from three cognitively healthy cohorts to examine cortical thickness trajectories in individuals who later converted to Aβ-positive status, using magnetic resonance images acquired years before conversion. Individuals who subsequently developed elevated Aβ showed a thicker cortex and reduced cortical thinning, detectable up to 7 years before conversion. Many effects persisted after accounting for quantitative Aβ levels, suggesting some cortical thickness changes may be partly independent of Aβ. Differences in cortical thickness and its change showed moderate spatial correspondence with Aβ deposition patterns, and the timing of thickness changes tracked the progression of Aβ accumulation. These findings indicate that cortical thickness alterations can precede positron emission tomography-detectable amyloid positivity by several years, suggesting high amyloid burden may not represent the earliest imaging marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Longitudinal MRI reveals that the cortex becomes relatively thicker years before amyloid positivity is detected on PET, providing insight into the earliest brain changes and potential consequences of amyloid accumulation in Alzheimer’s disease.