MRI Assessment of Brain Volume Changes in Alzhiemer’s Disease and Their Relationship with Cognitive Decline

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline and behavioral changes. Structural brain changes, particularly hippocampal atrophy and cortical thinning, are hallmarks of AD and can be detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Understanding the relationship between brain volume changes and cognitive decline is critical for early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression and guiding clinical management. Purpose of the Study: This study aimed to assess structural brain changes in patients with AD using MRI and to investigate their relationship with cognitive and behavioral symptoms. The study also explored associations between hippocampal atrophy, global brain volume, white matter hyper-intensities (WMH) and cognitive impairment severity. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months, including 87 patients diagnosed with probable AD. Participants underwent clinical evaluation for memory loss, disorientation and behavioral changes. Structural MRI was performed to quantify hippocampal atrophy, global brain volume reduction, WMH and other cortical abnormalities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to examine associations between cognitive symptoms and MRI findings, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 72.10 ± 7.95 years, with a nearly equal distribution of males and females. Memory loss was observed as mild in 23.0%, moderate in 31.0% and severe in 46.0% of participants. Hippocampal atrophy was present in all participants with varying patterns ranging from mild unilateral to severe bilateral involvement. Global brain volume reduction and white matter hyper intensity were also commonly observed. Statistically significant associations were found between memory loss and hippocampal atrophy, memory loss and global brain volume and disorientation and hippocampal atrophy. However, no significant associations were observed between memory loss and disorientation, memory loss and behavioral changes or white matter hyper intensity with other structural findings. These results indicate that specific MRI markers, particularly hippocampal atrophy and brain volume reduction, are strongly associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusion: Structural MRI is a valuable tool for detecting brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease and complements clinical and cognitive assessments. Hippocampal atrophy, cortical thinning and global brain volume reduction are consistent and reliable markers of cognitive decline. The significant associations observed in this study highlight the importance of hippocampal and global structural changes in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection through MRI can support timely intervention, improve patient management and assist in prognosis. Future studies with larger sample sizes and incorporation of additional biomarkers are recommended to further enhance diagnostic accuracy and predictive value.