# PREDICTORS OF COGNITIVE DECLINE IN NORMAL AGING

> **NIH NIH R01** · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · 1993 · $242,521

## Abstract

The main objective of this proposal is to demonstrate that the medial
temporal lobe (hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus) is specifically
vulnerable to the effects of normal aging and is of fundamental importance
in predicting age-related memory changes. Our preliminary studies have
contributed to a greater understanding of the relationship between
hippocampal integrity and cognitive functioning. We previously developed
and replicated a CT diagnostic marker that predicts with 91% accuracy
which non-demented, but minimally impaired individuals are likely to
develop symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) within a 3 to 4-year
interval.  This subjectively assessed marker relies on increased CSF
accumulation within the peri-hippocampal fissures as an indirect index of
hippocampal atrophy and is referred to as HCSF. Our neuropathological
studies of the hippocampal region in AD have validated the observation of
HCSF as a marker of hippocampal atrophy. Preliminary MR volume studies
have revealed both the anatomy and a potential anatomic specificity for
these early hippocampal changes. In normal aging, we have shown that HCSF
is associated with reduced memory performance.  We now propose a 5 year NR
project to collect longitudinal data on the clinical risks associated with
direct parenchymal measures of hippocampal volume reduction (HVOL) among
non-demented elderly. Salient hypotheses to be tested include: (l) HVOL is
predictive of progressive memory changes in normal elderly, (2) HVOL
predicts future lateral temporal lobe atrophy and (3) HVOL combined with
lateral temporal lobe atrophy are necessary for the expression of the
cognitive symptoms of AD. We propose a 5-year longitudinal study on 2
elderly groups, each n=100. These groups will be selected to represent the
full range of cognitive functioning associated with normal aging as well
as the full range of HVOL seen in non-demented elderly individuals. We
will use a gradient echo MR procedure with good gray-white contrast in
order to improve our current in vivo anatomic identification. The results
from this study will improve our knowledge of the hippocampus and the
prediction of cognitive decline in aging.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3123800
- **Project number:** 1R01AG012101-01
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NX9PXMKW5KW8
- **Principal Investigator:** MONY J. de LEON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $242,521
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1993-09-30 → 1998-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3123800

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3123800, PREDICTORS OF COGNITIVE DECLINE IN NORMAL AGING (1R01AG012101-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3123800. Licensed CC0.

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