Biological Features of Reversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Normal Cognition: A Study of Cerebrospinal Fluid Markers and Brain Volume

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional condition between normal cognition and dementia. Although a significant proportion of the population with MCI experience reversion to normal cognition, it is still poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to extend the present evidence regarding the difference between stable and reverting MCI by including whole brain atrophy measures as possible parameters involved. METHODS: 405 patients diagnosed with MCI at baseline were selected. After one-year follow-up period, 337 patients (83.2%) were categorized as stable MCI and 68 patients (16.8%) reverted to cognitively normal status (reversion group). Several baseline biomarkers including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD, including Aβ(42), t-tau, and p-tau and MRI-based atrophy measurements were compared. RESULTS: Participants with stable MCI demonstrated greater brain atrophy as well as lower Aβ and higher tau proteins in the CSF. The atrophy rate was found to be associated with CSF biomarkers merely in the stable group, after adjustment for confounding variables. CONCLUSION: These findings provide novel evidence regarding the biological perspective of the reversion phenomenon in individuals with MCI.