Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
09:33

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Published on: July 28, 2013

Microstructural changes and atrophy in brain white matter tracts with aging

Stefania Sala1, Federica Agosta, Elisabetta Pagani

  • 1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.

Neurobiology of Aging
|July 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Aging causes changes in brain white matter (WM) microstructure and volume. Diffusion tensor imaging reveals age-related increases in mean diffusivity and decreases in fractional anisotropy across major WM tracts.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Aging Research
  • White Matter Integrity

Background:

  • Brain white matter (WM) undergoes structural changes with aging.
  • Understanding these changes is crucial for cognitive health in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate age-related microstructural and volumetric abnormalities in major brain white matter tracts.
  • To characterize the relationship between aging and diffusion tensor imaging metrics.

Main Methods:

  • Diffusion tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tractography was employed.
  • 84 healthy subjects were analyzed to assess white matter integrity.
  • Linear and quadratic models were used to analyze age-related changes.

Main Results:

  • Age correlated with increased mean diffusivity (MD) and decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in most WM tracts.
  • Quadratic models better described changes in specific tracts like the corpus callosum.
  • Age-related MD/FA changes were linked to increased radial diffusivity; axial diffusivity varied by tract.

Conclusions:

  • Diffusion tensor imaging reveals significant age-related alterations in white matter microstructure and volume.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the complex pathological substrates of WM changes during aging.

More Related Videos

3D Modeling of the Lateral Ventricles and Histological Characterization of Periventricular Tissue in Humans and Mouse15:26

3D Modeling of the Lateral Ventricles and Histological Characterization of Periventricular Tissue in Humans and Mouse

Published on: May 19, 2015

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis09:41

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: July 19, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
Cognitive Development During Adulthood01:30

Cognitive Development During Adulthood

Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...