Brain tissue electrical conductivity as a promising biomarker for dementia assessment using MRI

INTRODUCTION

Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, involves cognitive decline linked to amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau protein aggregation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based brain tissue conductivity, which increases in dementia, may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for protein aggregation. We investigate the relationship between MRI-based brain electrical conductivity, protein aggregation, cognition, and gene expression.

METHODS

Brain conductivity maps were reconstructed and correlated with PET protein signals, cognitive performance, and plasma protein levels. The diagnostic potential of conductivity for dementia was assessed, and transcriptomic analysis using the Allen Human Brain Atlas elucidated the underlying biological processes.

RESULTS

Increased brain conductivity was associated with Aβ and tau aggregation in specific brain regions, cognitive decline, and plasma protein levels. Conductivity also improved dementia discrimination performance, and higher gene expression related to ion transport, cellular development, and signaling pathways was observed.

DISCUSSION

Brain electrical conductivity shows promise as a biomarker for dementia, correlating with protein aggregation and relevant cellular processes.

Highlights

• Brain tissue conductivity correlates with Aβ and tau aggregation in dementia.
• Brain tissue conductivity correlates with cognitive scores and GMV.
• CSF conductivity correlates with plasma protein levels.
• Combining conductivity with GMV improves dementia diagnosis accuracy.
• Gene expression in ion processes, cell development, and signaling links to conductivity.