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PMID: 20740072 Published · ppublish English Journal Article

Characterization of Atrophic Changes in the Cerebral Cortex Using Fractal Dimensional Analysis.

Brain imaging and behavior ·Vol. 3 ·No. 2 ·2009-06-00 ·Pages 154-166

King RD, George AT, Jeon T, Hynan LS, Youn TS, Kennedy DN, Dickerson B, the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to apply a modified fractal analysis technique to high-resolution T1 weighted magnetic resonance images in order to quantify the alterations in the shape of the cerebral cortex that occur in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Images were selected from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database (Control N=15, Mild-Moderate AD N=15). The images were segmented using a semi-automated analysis program. Four coronal and three axial profiles of the cerebral cortical ribbon were created. The fractal dimensions (D(f)) of the cortical ribbons were then computed using a box-counting algorithm. The mean D(f) of the cortical ribbons from AD patients were lower than age-matched controls on six of seven profiles. The fractal measure has regional variability which reflects local differences in brain structure. Fractal dimension is complementary to volumetric measures and may assist in identifying disease state or disease progression.

Authors & Affiliations
8 authors, click to expand affiliations / ORCID
King Richard D
Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9129, USA. Center for BrainHealth, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
George Anuh T
Jeon Tina
Hynan Linda S
Youn Teddy S
Kennedy David N
Dickerson Bradford
the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
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Article Info
Journal
Brain imaging and behavior
Abbr.
Brain Imaging Behav
ISSN
1931-7565
Published
2009-06-00
Pages
154-166
Language
English
Region
United States
NLM ID
101300405
PMCID
PMC2927230
Grants
NIA NIH HHS · P30 AG012300 · United States
NINDS NIH HHS · R01 NS034189 · United States
NIA NIH HHS · P30 AG012300-15 · United States
NIA NIH HHS · U01 AG024904 · United States
NIA NIH HHS · U19 AG010483 · United States
NINDS NIH HHS · R01 NS034189-11 · United States
NIA NIH HHS · U01 AG024904-05 · United States
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