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Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in the aging brain
1Department of Neurosciences, 1st Neurological Clinic, Rome, Italy.
Gerontology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Brain MRI scans in older adults with cognitive impairment revealed frequent white matter signal alterations and ischemic areas. These findings may indicate chronic mild cerebral hypoperfusion, a potential marker of brain tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is a significant concern in individuals over 55.
- Understanding the underlying pathological causes is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pathological causes of cognitive impairment in older adults using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- To identify potential imaging markers associated with cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- 43 patients aged over 55 with cognitive impairment underwent 0.5 Tesla MRI.
- Analysis focused on white matter signal alterations and ischemic changes.
Main Results:
- White matter signal alterations (periventricular lucency) and multifocal ischemic areas were common findings.
- These alterations may suggest diffuse brain tissue damage from chronic mild cerebral hypoperfusion.
Conclusions:
- MRI findings of white matter changes and ischemic areas could be markers of cerebral hypoperfusion in cognitive impairment.
- Further studies are needed to assess the prevalence of these findings in cognitively normal elderly subjects.