Abstract
Background: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology. Employing a combination of techniques such as imaging modalities, cognitive tests and medical history evaluations is considered to be a reliable approach in diagnosing the disease. A characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease is the gradual atrophy of the hippocampus, which is also seen with aging but at a faster rate in individuals suffering from the disease. The trigger responsible for the atrophy remains unknown. Methods: In this study, patients were assessed using MRI brain imaging, blood and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Results: The findings indicate that the levels of erythrocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid have a statistically significant longitudinal predictive marker effect on hippocampal atrophy. Mean arterial pressure showed modest statistical significance in hippocampal volume only in the Alzheimer's disease group. Conclusions: The results of the study point to the significance of cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis in terms of elements capable of causing hippocampal atrophy under chronic conditions. Monitoring of the presence of erythrocytes in cerebrospinal fluid and their related metabolites may be of clinical significance in the long-term management of Alzheimer's disease.