Hippocampal metabolites and memory performances in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

► Patients with aMCI and AD have undergone WMS-R and 1H-MRS. ► Positive correlations were shown between the hippocampal NAA and episodic memory. ► Negative correlations were shown between the hippocampal MI and episodic memory. ► No significant correlation between the posterior cingulate metabolites and memory task. ► Hippocampal NAA and MI concentrations were shown important for episodic memory.