Evaluation of hippocampal volumes with MRI in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Purpose: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a significant concern due to the growing elderly population. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, especially with practical methods such as radiologic imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most preferred form of radiologic imaging because it can highlight changes in the soft tissues of the brain where AD symptoms are present. This study uses open-access software to compare hippocampal volumes and subsections in MRI scans among different subgroups of AD patients. Materials and methods: MRI images were sourced from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. The analysis included equally sequenced, T1-weighted images from patients aged 55–85 (181 females and 142 males). The images were processed using volBrain, and data analysis was conducted with SPSS 25. Results: Comparison of hippocampal structures by gender did not reveal significant differences in many parameters compared with previous studies. An important finding is that volumetric data are more critical for early subgroups of AD (THV:4,5(2,48 ? 6,3), THV-ICV:0,32 (0,19 ? 0,43)) than those observed in advanced stages (THV:4,02 (1,96 ? 6,5), THV-ICV:0,29 (0,13 ? 0,41)). Previous studies have typically measured hippocampal volume in cubic centimeters, whereas our ratio-based method provided more balanced results. Conclusion: This study underscores the value of volumetric analyses performed on open-access images and software, emphasizing the need for more sophisticated radiological studies to facilitate early AD diagnosis. Additionally, the accessibility of advanced technology in clinical practice should be prioritized to enhance diagnostic capabilities. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.