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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
The association of white matter hyperintensities with motoric cognitive risk syndrome
Takehiko Doi1, Sho Nakakubo1, Kota Tsutsumimoto1
1Department of Preventive Gerontology, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan.
Background:
The motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) was characterized by slow gait and subjective cognitive complaints. MCR was associated with brain structural changes. However, the association between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and MCR was unclear and the aim of this study was to examine this association.
Material And Methods:
The study participants were 1227 older adults (mean age: 72.0 ± 6.0 yrs, women: 52.6%). We collected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to assess WMH. To assess MCR, data on gait speed and subjective cognitive complaints were collected. Demographical and medical data was collected as covariates.
Results:
Among participants, the proportion of MCR was 5.0% (n = 61) and severe WMH was 16.8% (n = 206). From logistic regression analysis, severe WMH associated with MCR even when adjusted for covariates (odds ratio 2.18 [95% confidential interval 1.15-4.16], p = 0.017). This association was observed in subgroups stratified by the participants' characteristics: higher age, not having fall history, not obesity, not being physical inactivity and not having depressive symptom.
Conclusions:
Our findings revealed that vascular pathophysiological changes in the brain were associated with MCR. The association was pronounced by several factors. Further evaluation was required to clarify pathophysiology of MCR.
Insights
Severe white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are linked to motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) in older adults. This association suggests vascular brain changes contribute to MCR, impacting gait and cognition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Radiology
Background:
- Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCR) is defined by slow gait and cognitive complaints.
- MCR is linked to brain structural changes, but the role of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCR).
Main Methods:
- 1227 older adults underwent MRI to assess WMH.
- Gait speed and subjective cognitive complaints were measured to identify MCR.
- Demographic and medical data were collected as covariates.
Main Results:
- 5.0% of participants had MCR, and 16.8% had severe WMH.
- Severe WMH were significantly associated with MCR (OR 2.18, p=0.017), even after adjusting for covariates.
- This association was consistent across various subgroups, including older age and absence of specific health conditions.
Conclusions:
- Vascular brain changes, indicated by WMH, are associated with MCR.
- The relationship between WMH and MCR is influenced by several factors.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the pathophysiology of MCR.
