Magnetization transfer ratio relates to cognitive impairment in normal elderly

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Background:

• Magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) detects microstructural brain changes.
• MTI may help assess age-related cerebral damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the association between magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and cognitive function.
• Examine MTR in gray and white matter (WM) in relation to cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 355 participants (aged 38-86) from the Austrian stroke prevention family study (ASPS-Fam).
• Generated MTR maps for neocortex, deep gray matter, WM hyperintensities, and normal appearing WM (NAWM).
• Used adjusted mixed models to assess relationships between MTR and cognitive tests.

Main Results:

• Whole brain and lobar cortical MTR directly and significantly correlated with memory, executive function, and motor skills.
• An almost linear dose-effect relationship was observed.
• MTR in deep gray matter and NAWM correlated with executive functioning.

Conclusions:

• Cortical and white matter MTR are associated with cognitive performance, independent of other factors.
• Further research is needed to understand the tissue-level basis and predictive role of MTR in cognitive decline.