Revolutionary Neuroimaging Marker Could Predict Dementia Risk for Future Clinical Trials
A study led by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) focuses on dementia risk in the Hispanic population, which shows higher vulnerability due to vascular injury. The study highlights a specific marker called peak-width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD). PSMD allows researchers to process many brain images efficiently in multi-site dementia studies.
Dr. Claudia Satizábal, an associate professor at the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, emphasizes the potential of PSMD as a biomarker for small vessel disease linked to cognitive impairment. The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia on November 21, is a result of collaboration among community participants, clinicians, and researchers over seven years.
Dr. Sudha Seshadri, director of the Biggs Institute, noted that despite challenges from the COVID pandemic, participants and researchers continued essential brain MRI scans and cognitive tests.
The study addresses the global issue of cognitive impairment caused by cerebrovascular pathology. Although vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) are significant, determining the exact number of affected individuals remains challenging due to overlapping factors.
What are the unique risk factors for dementia in the Hispanic population, according to Dr. Claudia Satizábal’s research?
Interview with Dr. Claudia Satizábal on Dementia Risk in the Hispanic Population
Published on November 21, 2023 | News Directory 3
In a groundbreaking study led by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, new insights into dementia risk in the Hispanic population have emerged. Dr. Claudia Satizábal, an associate professor at the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, discusses the study’s findings and the implications of the identified biomarker, peak-width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD).
Interviewer: Dr. Satizábal, your study highlights the increased vulnerability of the Hispanic population to dementia, particularly due to vascular injury. What prompted this research focus?
Dr. Satizábal: Our research was motivated by the growing evidence of heightened dementia risk in the Hispanic community, which correlates with vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). We recognized a gap in understanding how these vascular injuries specifically impact cognitive health in this population, which is why we concentrated our efforts here.
Interviewer: The use of PSMD as a biomarker is particularly intriguing. Can you explain its significance in your study?
Dr. Satizábal: PSMD is a novel imaging biomarker that allows for the efficient processing of numerous brain images across multi-site dementia studies. Its potential lies in its ability to detect changes associated with small vessel disease, which is critically linked to cognitive impairment. This could help us identify individuals at higher risk much earlier than current methods allow.
Interviewer: Your study involved a collaboration over seven years with community participants and various institutions. What were some of the challenges you faced, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Dr. Satizábal: The pandemic posed significant challenges, as we found it difficult to conduct in-person assessments and maintain participant engagement. However, we were fortunate that both participants and researchers remained committed to continuing essential brain MRI scans and cognitive testing. Their dedication truly made a difference in the continuity of the research.
Interviewer: You mentioned that determining the exact number of individuals affected by VCID is complicated due to overlapping factors. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Satizábal: VCID is complex because it involves various risk factors—vascular health, genetics, lifestyle—making isolation of its causes difficult. Traditional neuroimaging markers like white matter hyperintensities (WMH) have limitations, and understanding their relationship with cognitive outcomes is still an area that requires more research.
Interviewer: What are the next steps for further validating PSMD as a useful clinical tool?
Dr. Satizábal: Our team is currently focused on linking PSMD results with meaningful cognitive performance measures. We aim to further validate PSMD in larger cohorts and more diverse populations, which would strengthen its potential as a surrogate marker for cerebral small vessel disease.
Interviewer: What impact do you hope this research will have on dementia care and prevention strategies, especially for the Hispanic population?
Dr. Satizábal: By identifying PSMD as a reliable biomarker, we hope to enhance early detection and intervention strategies for those at risk of dementia due to vascular issues. This research could pave the way for more tailored approaches in dementia care, particularly addressing the unique needs of the Hispanic community.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Satizábal, for sharing your insights on this crucial study and its implications.
Dr. Satizábal: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to shed light on this important work.
The most common neuroimaging marker for small vessel disease (SVD) is white matter hyperintensities (WMH), but its causes are not fully understood. In this context, PSMD has shown promising characteristics, proving reliable across different users and settings. The researchers aimed to validate PSMD further by linking it with meaningful clinical aspects of VCID, like cognitive performance.
The study involved 396 participants from the MarkVCID consortium, initiated by the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Further studies are underway to assess PSMD as a surrogate for cerebral small vessel diseases.
Researchers from several prestigious institutions, including Boston University and Johns Hopkins University, contributed to this study. UT Health San Antonio is recognized for its strong impact on clinical medicine research worldwide, ranking in the top 5% of global research institutions.