Neuropsychological impact of white matter hyperintensities in older adults without dementia

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) if simple clinical judgements of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on imaging are associated with measurable cognitive impacts in otherwise cognitively normal older adults, (b) if neuropsychological measures can predict those with WMH, and (c) the frequency of low cognitive scores in those with WMH on a battery of measures. Forty-four individuals judged free of other cognitive disorders despite moderate to extensive WMH were compared with 50 individuals matched on age (mean of 83), education (college educated), and gender (predominantly female). Data was obtained from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database. The group with at least moderate WMH had lower scores on the Trail Making Test A, verbal fluency, and digit span. A component score derived from these measures was a significant predictor of the presence of WMH, though only correctly classified 68% of participants. Even in individuals free from other suspected conditions, clinically judged moderate to extensive WMH was associated with cognitive weaknesses for processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning. This shows that a relatively simple judgment of WMH burden is meaningfully associated with worse cognition. Implications and future directions for are discussed.