Multimodal MRI Effects of Lecanemab in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: The cognitive decline with Alzheimer disease has been linked to the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody that has been shown to reduce amyloid, which could delay this cognitive decline. Newer brain MRI techniques might be able to detect the changes in the brain perfusion, structure, and microstructure related to the effect of lecanemab. Objective: To determine the brain perfusion, structure, and microstructure changes based upon MRI analysis of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) receiving lecanemab. Design: Longitudinal, prospective pilot study. Participants: 8 patients with MCI receiving biweekly lecanemab infusions at Yasu City Hospital, during a 12-month study period. Criteria for enrollment included a Mini-Mental State Examination score from 22 to 28, a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score from 18 to 25, a Clinical Dementia Rating-Globalscore from 0.5 to 1, Geria more...