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White matter hyperintensities are related to physical disability and poor motor function
P S Sachdev1, W Wen, H Christensen
1NPI, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031, Australia. p.sachdev@unsw.edu.au
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|February 18, 2005
Summary
White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are common in middle-aged adults and linked to physical health decline. These brain changes impact physical function, but not all cognitive abilities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Gerontology
- Neurology
Background:
- White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are common findings on brain MRI in older adults.
- Their impact on physical and cognitive health in middle adulthood is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and physical and cognitive functioning in community-dwelling individuals aged 60-64.
Main Methods:
- Brain MRI scans were used to assess WMHs in 478 participants aged 60-64.
- Participants underwent comprehensive physical (grip strength, Purdue Pegboard) and cognitive (SDMT, memory, processing speed) assessments.
- Regression analyses examined the relationship between WMHs and health outcomes.
Main Results:
- WMHs were prevalent in all participants and associated with poorer self-reported physical health (SF-12).
- WMHs correlated with reduced fine motor dexterity (Purdue Pegboard) and grip strength.
- Slower information processing speed (SDMT) was linked to WMHs, but memory and global cognitive functions were not significantly affected.
Conclusions:
- Mild WMHs are frequent in middle-aged adults and contribute to physical disability.
- The findings suggest WMHs impact physical function through reduced motor control and strength.
- Information processing speed is affected, but other cognitive domains remain largely intact.