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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
White matter fractional anisotropy is related to processing speed in metabolic syndrome patients: a case-control
Bàrbara Segura1, María Angeles Jurado, Núria Freixenet
1Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
Metabolic Syndrome (MetSd) is a cluster of vascular risk factors that may influence cerebrovascular pathology during aging. Recently, microstructural white matter (WM) changes detected by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and processing speed deficits have been reported in MetSd patients. We aimed to test the relationship between WM alteration and cognitive impairment in these patients.
Methods:
The sample comprised 38 subjects (19 patients aged between 50 and 80 years old, and 19 controls). All patients fulfilled National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP-III) criteria for MetSd. Speed of information processing was measured by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and reaction time (RT) on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II) and the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT). DTI images were acquired in a 3 Tesla Siemens Trio scanner. Voxelwise statistical analysis of the fractional anisotropy (FA) data was performed using the Tract-Based Spatial Statistics part of the FMRIB Software Library. A correlation analysis was performed between processing speed variables and FA values.
Results:
There was a larger proportion of slow subjects (percentile below 25th) in the patient group (Chi2 = 7.125 p = 0.008). FA values correlated positively with SDMT in anterior and posterior parts of the corpus callosum, and RT CPT-II correlated negatively with FA values in the anterior corpus callosum (p < 0.05 corrected) in the patient group.
Conclusion:
We found significant correlations between WM alterations and cognitive impairment in MetSd patients, especially in the frontal lobe. These findings highlight the importance of MetSd prevention and control due to its association with structural and functional damage in the central nervous system.
Insights
Metabolic Syndrome (MetSd) is linked to white matter (WM) changes and cognitive decline in aging adults. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed correlations between WM integrity and processing speed deficits in MetSd patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Metabolic Syndrome (MetSd) is a cluster of vascular risk factors associated with cerebrovascular pathology in aging.
- Microstructural white matter (WM) changes and processing speed deficits are increasingly reported in MetSd patients.
- Understanding the link between WM integrity and cognitive function in MetSd is crucial for aging brain health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between white matter (WM) alterations and cognitive impairment in patients with Metabolic Syndrome (MetSd).
- To assess if microstructural WM changes detected by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) correlate with deficits in information processing speed.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 38 subjects (19 MetSd patients and 19 controls, aged 50-80) was studied.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and reaction time (RT) measures from the Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II) and Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT).
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to analyze fractional anisotropy (FA) in white matter, with voxelwise statistical analysis performed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS).
Main Results:
- A higher proportion of slow processing speed was observed in the MetSd patient group compared to controls.
- Positive correlations were found between FA values and SDMT scores in the anterior and posterior corpus callosum of MetSd patients.
- Negative correlations were observed between RT CPT-II and FA values in the anterior corpus callosum in the patient group.
Conclusions:
- Significant correlations exist between white matter (WM) alterations and cognitive impairment in Metabolic Syndrome (MetSd) patients, particularly in the frontal lobe.
- These findings underscore the detrimental impact of MetSd on the central nervous system's structure and function.
- Emphasizing MetSd prevention and management is vital for preserving cognitive health during aging.
