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The spatial distribution of age-related white matter changes as a function of vascular risk factors--results from the

E Rostrup1, A A Gouw, H Vrenken

  • 1Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark. egillr@dadlnet.dk

Neuroimage
|February 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The location of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in elderly brains varies by risk factors like age and hypertension. This suggests specific brain regions have different vulnerabilities, impacting cognitive health.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Neurology

Background:

  • White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are common in older adults and linked to cognitive decline.
  • While risk factors for WMH are known, their specific spatial distribution and regional impact are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spatial distribution of WMH in normally functioning elderly individuals.
  • To identify how clinical risk factors influence the specific locations of WMH in the brain.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a voxel-based approach to map lesion probability based on clinical risk factors using logistic regression.
  • Applied the method to 605 participants (mean age 74) from the LADIS study with manually delineated WMH.
  • Validated the approach using simulated datasets.

Main Results:

  • Strong associations found between WMH location and age, gender, and hypertension, with differing patterns in men and women.
  • Increased WMH probability linked to alcohol and tobacco consumption, and a history of migraine.
  • Spatial mapping revealed distinct patterns of WMH accumulation based on specific risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • The location of white matter hyperintensities is significantly influenced by associated risk factors.
  • Findings suggest regionally specific pathogenesis and/or vulnerability of white matter in the aging brain.
  • Understanding spatial patterns of WMH can provide insights into targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

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