What does an MRI scan suggest about a person's brain health?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I reviewed your reports (the attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). According to this report, a small area of insult has been seen in the midbrain. Moreover, the radiologist also has indicated some mild cerebral atrophy. This finding is only essential if you have significant memory problems.

One who experiences a stroke must be screened for controllable risk factors and start medicine that reduces re-stroke risk. In addition, it is necessary that imaging of cerebral vessels be done.

I hope this information will help.

Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Well, we always interpret one's cognitive ability based on a person's level of education and age. If the 57-year-old patient you described is literate, then your description shows that he has a cognitive problem. It does not mean he has dementia at present, but he suffers from a minimal cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI cases may improve or remain stable for a long time, but a small number may progress to dementia. In cases of MCI, screening for possible underlying diseases should be done that may affect the brain's normal function. Moreover, an EEG (electroencephalogram) is necessary to check the brain activity in the awake state. In addition, a base and then follow-ups with cognitive tests by a neurologist are required to evaluate the degree of cognitive impairment and to determine whether it is constant or progressive.

I hope the information will help.

Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

No, such a minor midbrain stroke cannot cause MCI (minimal cognitive impairment) problem. The primary function of blood thinners and statins is to reduce the risk of a second stroke. Meanwhile, risk factor control, screening for and treating other potential underlying causes, such as thyroid dysfunction or vitamin deficiency, or brain activity disorders, such as subtle seizures or encephalopathic conditions, may improve the MCI. If PET (positron emission tomography) confirms amyloid beta accumulation, it can be used to candidate the patient for Lecanemab. The recent stroke of your patient, regarding its size and location, cannot interfere with the PET result.

I hope this information will help.

Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You are welcome.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I compared this MRI report with the previous one you uploaded in icliniq a year ago.

As the radiologist did not give any comparison with the previous MRI, and because I haven't seen the original images, I cannot tell you if the atrophy has progressed or not.

As I explained to you previously, based on your description of your father's cognitive function, his condition is suggestive of MCI.

Based on your description, he is still in the MCI phase.

Suppose you and your family members feel that his mood has changed significantly, or his motivation to do activities that he previously was eager to do has decreased notably. A medical treatment such as anti-depressant medications might be needed in that case. Neurodegenerative conditions can also manifest depression-like symptoms.

Moreover, to better judge his cognitive ability, a special test is usually done by neurologists in their offices during the appointment.

I do not know if your father's neurologist has done the test. A physician can detect if the condition is stable or progressive by comparing the test scores at two separate appointment times.

As a general recommendation, it would be beneficial if your father takes daily supplements such as vitamin E and Omega 3 capsules.

Thank you.