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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
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White matter hyperintensities and changes in white matter integrity in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Liya Wang1, Felicia C Goldstein, Allan I Levey

  • 1Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.

Neuroradiology
|December 15, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) impact Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain changes. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals WMHs contribute to temporal and frontal white matter alterations, with parietal and occipital changes linked to WMH severity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are recognized risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Understanding the relationship between WMHs and white matter integrity in AD is crucial for diagnosis and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between WMHs and white matter alterations in AD using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
  • To evaluate the sensitivity of various DTI indices in differentiating AD patients with and without significant WMHs.

Main Methods:

  • Forty-four subjects (15 AD with mild WMHs, 12 AD with severe WMHs, 17 controls with mild WMHs) were analyzed.
  • Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indices including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (D(R)), and axial diffusivity (D(A)) were measured.
  • Region of interest and tract-based spatial statistics methods were employed to analyze DTI data.

Main Results:

  • AD patients with mild WMHs showed DTI differences in temporal and frontal areas compared to controls.
  • Differences between mild and severe WMH AD groups were observed in parietal and occipital regions.
  • Radial diffusivity (D(R)) and FA were more sensitive in distinguishing AD from controls, while MD was more sensitive for differentiating AD severity.

Conclusions:

  • WMHs may contribute to white matter changes in AD, particularly in temporal and frontal lobes.
  • Parietal and occipital lobe alterations may correlate with WMH severity in AD.
  • Radial diffusivity (D(R)) shows potential as an imaging biomarker for myelin deficits in AD.

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