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Updated: Jul 27, 2026
Identification of Disease-related Spatial Covariance Patterns using Neuroimaging Data
Published on: June 26, 2013
Older people with impaired mobility have specific loci of periventricular abnormality on MRI
R R Benson1, C R G Guttmann, X Wei
1Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-2017, USA. benson@nso.uchc.edu
Background:
Recent investigations using MRI suggest that older persons with mobility impairment have a greater volume of abnormal cerebral white matter compared with persons with normal mobility, thus raising the possibility that those with impairment have lesions in areas critical for the control of mobility.
Objective:
To utilize automated image analysis methods to localize the specific regions of abnormal white matter that distinguish subjects with lower mobility from subjects with higher mobility.
Methods:
Tissue classification was performed on subjects' dual-echo long repetition time spin-echo MRI using computer algorithms operating on intensity criteria integrated with anatomic information. Statistical analysis of group differences was obtained after spatially normalizing each brain to a standard reference brain.
Results:
Four discrete periventricular regions, including bilaterally symmetric frontal and bilateral occipitoparietal regions, were identified as being sensitive (frontal) or specific (occipitoparietal) in discriminating the subjects with lower mobility from subjects with higher mobility. The symmetry of these lesions in individual subjects suggested pathology other than arteriolar infarction.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that damage to discrete frontal and occipitoparietal periventricular white matter locations may be associated with a mobility disorder of aging.
Insights
Abnormal white matter in specific brain regions, particularly frontal and occipitoparietal areas, is linked to reduced mobility in older adults. This suggests localized brain damage may underlie mobility disorders of aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Gerontology
- Neurology
Background:
- Older adults with mobility impairment show increased abnormal cerebral white matter volume on MRI.
- This suggests lesions in critical motor control areas may contribute to mobility issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pinpoint specific abnormal white matter regions differentiating low vs. high mobility in older adults.
- Utilize automated image analysis for precise localization.
Main Methods:
- Applied automated tissue classification to dual-echo MRI scans.
- Integrated intensity criteria with anatomical information for analysis.
- Used spatial normalization for group comparisons.
Main Results:
- Identified four distinct periventricular regions associated with mobility differences.
- Frontal regions were sensitive, occipitoparietal regions specific for discriminating mobility.
- Symmetrical lesion patterns suggested non-infarction pathology.
Conclusions:
- Damage in discrete frontal and occipitoparietal periventricular white matter is associated with age-related mobility disorders.
- Findings highlight the role of specific white matter integrity in maintaining mobility in aging.
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