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The aim of this study was to analyze the combined contribution of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. To whole-head MEG recordings were obtained from three diagnosis groups: Alzheimer disease (AD), MCI, and control. Magnetic resonance imaging volumetric data of global brain, temporal lobe, and hippocampal volumes, were also obtained. Results indicated that a reduction of volume in the hippocampal structure allowed the discrimination between AD and MCI patients as compared with controls. The percentage of correct classification was 9 1.3% when AD versus controls was compared, and 83.3% when we compared MCI versus control. MEG data showed that AD patients exhibit higher θ and δ activity than MCI and controls. Such higher activity was significant in parietal, temporal, and occipital areas. Left parietal theta classified controls versus MCIs with 78.3% rate of correct classification. Right occipital theta and the left parietal delta allowed the discrimination of controls versus ADs, with 8 1.8% rate of correct classification. Left parietal theta discriminated between ADs and MCIs with 56.6% rate-of-correct classification.. In addition, the combination of both techniques significantly improved the rate of correct classification, thus indicating that a multidisciplinary perspective of techniques may improve the diagnostic capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]