Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifaceted neurological condition characterized by a variety of clinical and pathophysiological markers. Among the critical components under investigation is the locus coeruleus (LC), a small nucleus in the brainstem whose degeneration has been linked to AD. However, our understanding of the relationship between LC integrity and the stages of AD remains limited.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Cassidy, whose pioneering research uses neuromelanin-sensitive MRI (NM-MRI) to examine the role of the LC-norepinephrine system in AD. The study involved cognitively normal older adults, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD patients. The researchers assessed the LC-norepinephrine system's integrity based on the contrast-to-noise ratio of the LC on NM-MRI images.

Dr. Cassidy and his team ...