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Impact of white matter hyperintensity volume progression on rate of cognitive and motor decline

L C Silbert1, C Nelson, D B Howieson

  • 1Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, CR-131, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201, USA. silbertl@ohsu.edu

Neurology
|July 9, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

White matter hyperintensity (WMH) progression impacts gait and memory in older adults. This study shows increased WMH burden is linked to higher risks of cognitive and motor decline, not a benign aging process.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Neurology

Background:

  • White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is common in the elderly and linked to cognitive decline.
  • Understanding WMH progression's impact on brain structure and function is crucial for aging syndromes and dementia risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, its progression, and changes in brain structure, cognition, and motor function over time.
  • To assess the risk associated with WMH progression in cognitively intact elderly individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 104 cognitively intact older adults over 13 years with at least three MRI scans.
  • Annual cognitive and neurologic assessments alongside brain volume, ventricular CSF (vCSF), and periventricular (PV) and subcortical WMH volume measurements.
  • Analysis of MRI volume progression in relation to cognitive, motor, and cerebral volume change rates.

Main Results:

  • Higher initial total and PV WMH volume correlated with increased WMH, vCSF progression, and slower gait.
  • PV WMH volume progression was linked to slower walking times.
  • Subcortical WMH volume progression associated with memory decline and increased vCSF volume.

Conclusions:

  • Increased total and PV WMH burden, and PV WMH progression, are linked to poorer gait performance.
  • Subcortical WMH volume progression is associated with memory decline in the cognitively intact elderly.
  • WMH progression increases the risk of memory and gait dysfunction, indicating it is not a benign aging process.

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