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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Cognitive function correlates with frontal white matter apparent diffusion coefficients in patients with
Miguel Viana-Baptista1, Paulo Bugalho, Constança Jordão
1Neurology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz (CHLO), Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal. mbatista.neuro@fcm.unl.pt
Journal of Neurology
|March 14, 2008
Summary
Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) reveals age-related white matter changes correlate with cognitive decline. Higher blood pressure and advanced age are linked to increased lesion load and impaired attention, even in normal-appearing white matter.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is sensitive to white matter changes, potentially linking vascular risk factors and cognitive dysfunction.
- Age-related white matter lesions (ARWML) are common and can impact cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between age, blood pressure, cognitive function, and white matter lesion load and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values in patients with ARWML.
- To assess if DWI can detect changes in both lesioned (LWM) and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).
Main Methods:
- 29 patients with ARWML underwent MRI for lesion load quantification and ADC measurement in frontal and parieto-occipital regions (NAWM and LWM).
- Neuropsychological tests assessed cognitive functions including attention, processing speed, and executive function.
Main Results:
- Higher lesion load and ADC values were observed in frontal and parieto-occipital regions, correlating with age and blood pressure.
- Attention skills were negatively correlated with ADC values in both LWM and NAWM in frontal regions, and with frontal lesion load.
Conclusions:
- White matter ischemic changes, advanced age, and higher blood pressure are associated with poorer cognitive function.
- Frontal white matter's vulnerability to vascular disease may contribute to executive dysfunction, particularly attentional deficits.
- DWI may detect cognitive impairment related to vascular changes even in normal-appearing white matter.
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