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Association of White Matter Hyperintensity Progression with Cognitive Decline in Patients with Amnestic Mild

Kentaro Hirao1, Fumio Yamashita2, Akito Tsugawa1

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|February 13, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Progression of deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients is linked to cognitive decline, particularly in frontal lobe function and semantic memory. Periventricular hyperintensities did not show a significant association.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) conversion in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
  • The specific impact of WMH progression on cognitive decline in MCI patients remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between the progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cognitive decline in individuals with amnestic MCI.
  • To differentiate the effects of periventricular (PVH) and deep WMH (DWMH) progression on cognitive function.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective analysis of 24 amnestic MCI patients over two years.
  • Quantification of periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) and deep WMH (DWMH) volumes using T2 FLAIR MRI and 3D-slicer.
  • Correlation analysis between WMH progression and cognitive test scores (MMSE, verbal fluency).

Main Results:

  • Increased deep WMH (DWMH) volume significantly correlated with declines in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores.
  • DWMH progression also correlated with reduced category verbal fluency.
  • No significant correlation was found between periventricular WMH (PVH) progression and cognitive changes.

Conclusions:

  • Progression of deep WMH (DWMH) is associated with cognitive decline in amnestic MCI patients.
  • DWMH progression may impact frontal lobe function and semantic memory.
  • These findings suggest WMH progression could play a role in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology in MCI.
Keywords:
Deep white matter hyperintensitiesmild cognitive impairmentperiventricular hyperintensities

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