Image of the Month

MRI's role in the diagnosis of Alz-heimer disease (AD) has advanced with the ability to make volumetric measurements of specific brain regions thought to be involved in the disease process. However, the diagnostic value of these techniques for predicting the status of individual patients—particularly at early stages—is limited by insufficient sensitivity and specificity. To find out how researchers are using computer-based pattern classification of MRI to detect brain structure changes characteristic of mild cognitive impairment, the prodromal stage of AD, see Image of the Month, p. 12.