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Cognitive impairment with and without depression history: an analysis of white matter microstructure

Shantel L Duffy1, Matt Paradise1, Ian B Hickie1

  • 1Ageing Brain Centre, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia, and the Clinical Research Unit, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.

Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN
|December 24, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and late-life depression share common white matter changes. This study found similar microstructural alterations in the brains of individuals with MCI, regardless of a history of depression, suggesting a shared underlying pathology.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and late-life depression often co-occur.
  • These conditions may indicate early neurodegeneration.
  • White matter microstructure changes are implicated in both syndromes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate white matter microstructure differences.
  • Compare patients with MCI and comorbid depression (MCI-MD) to those with MCI alone and healthy controls.
  • Identify potential shared or distinct microstructural changes.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited participants with MCI, MCI-MD, and healthy controls.
  • Conducted comprehensive medical, psychiatric, and neuropsychological assessments.
  • Utilized diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) to analyze white matter fractional anisotropy (FA).
  • Quantified white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and medical burden.

Main Results:

  • MCI group showed reduced FA in corpus callosum, superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), corona radiata, and posterior thalamic radiation compared to controls.
  • MCI-MD group exhibited reduced FA in numerous white matter tracts, including corpus callosum, internal/external capsule, SLF, and cingulum, compared to controls.
  • No significant FA differences were found between MCI and MCI-MD groups.
  • MCI-MD group had higher medical and WMH burden than controls.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to compare white matter microstructure in MCI with and without depression history.
  • Findings suggest a common underlying structural white matter change in both MCI groups.
  • Further research is required to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of these microstructural changes.

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