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Age-related changes in prefrontal white matter measured by diffusion tensor imaging
D H Salat1, D S Tuch, N D Hevelone
1MGH/MIT/HMS Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, MGH Department of Radiology, Building 149, 13th Street, Mail Code 149(2301), Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA. salat@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 6, 2006
Summary
Brain white matter degeneration accelerates in middle age, impacting cognitive function. Diffusion tensor MRI reveals widespread microstructural changes in prefrontal white matter with aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Age-related white matter (WM) degeneration is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Traditional MRI measures WM volume, but diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) offers more sensitive microstructural insights.
- Prefrontal WM alterations are critical in aging and cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in prefrontal white matter microstructure using DTI.
- To compare DTI-derived fractional anisotropy (FA) with volumetric measures in aging.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) was used to assess prefrontal white matter (WM) in young adults (YA) and older adults (OA).
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured regionally to quantify white matter microstructure.
- Correlations between FA and WM volume were examined across different age groups.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited reduced prefrontal FA compared to young adults.
- Significant FA reduction was observed by middle age, preceding substantial volume loss.
- Widespread prefrontal WM showed decreased FA with age, with greater reductions in ventromedial and deep regions.
- FA and WM volume were correlated, particularly in individuals over 40.
Conclusions:
- DTI reveals widespread and regionally accelerated microstructural alterations in prefrontal WM with aging.
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) serves as a sensitive microstructural marker for age-related white matter changes.
- These findings highlight the potential of FA as a valuable index for assessing age-related brain pathology.