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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
High-level gait disorder: associations with specific white matter changes observed on advanced diffusion imaging
Michal Kafri1, Efrat Sasson, Yaniv Assaf
1Functional Brain Center, Wohl Institute for Advanced Imaging, Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Summary
High-level gait disorder (HLGD) involves white matter changes affecting motor, cognitive, and affective functions. Demyelination is the likely cause of these mobility-limiting changes in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- High-level gait disorder (HLGD) significantly impacts elderly mobility.
- The anatomical and pathophysiological basis of HLGD remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate white matter (WM) changes in patients with mild to moderate HLGD.
- To correlate these changes with motor, cognitive, and affective functions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized advanced MRI techniques: diffusion tensor imaging and Q-space imaging.
- Compared 13 HLGD patients with 9 elderly and 13 middle-aged healthy controls.
- Analyzed fractional anisotropy and displacement values in specific WM regions.
Main Results:
- HLGD patients exhibited reduced fractional anisotropy and increased displacement values.
- Affected areas included motor pathways (corticospinal tract, superior cerebellar peduncles).
- Cognitive and affective-related regions (anterior internal capsule, genu of corpus callosum) were also impacted.
Conclusions:
- HLGD of the cautious/disequilibrium type is linked to WM alterations in motor, cognitive, and affective pathways.
- Demyelination is the probable underlying pathological mechanism.
- Findings provide insights into HLGD pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.
