Hippocampal volume and CDR-SB can predict conversion to dementia in MCI patients

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the combination of two factors: clinical dementia rating sum of boxes scores (CDR-SB) and hippocampal volume (HV) as predictors of conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia. Methods: Twenty-eight individuals (9 normal and 19 with MCI) were classified according to their CDR sum of boxes scores into 3 groups. Results: The hippocampal volume was significantly lower in the high-risk group and in those who developed dementia after two years. The rate of conversion was crescent among the three groups. Conclusion: We were proposed an additional measurement of the hippocampal volume which may be helpful in the prognosis. However, we noted that the CDR-SB is a method as efficient as neuroimaging to predict dementia with the advantage of being a procedure for low cost and easy implementation, more consistent with public policy.