White matter alterations in mild cognitive impairment revealed by meta-analysis of diffusion tensor imaging using...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neuropathology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• The underlying neuropathological mechanisms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are not fully understood.
• Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies suggest white matter (WM) microstructural changes in MCI, but findings lack consistency.
• This study aims to identify robust WM abnormalities in MCI using a meta-analysis approach.

Approach:

• A coordinate-based meta-analysis (CBMA) of tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) studies was performed.
• Studies published up to January 2022 comparing fractional anisotropy (FA) in MCI patients and healthy controls were systematically searched.
• Seed-based d mapping (SDM) software was utilized for CBMA, followed by meta-regression to explore clinical variable associations.

Key Points:

• MCI patients exhibited significantly reduced FA in widespread areas of the corpus callosum (CC) and the left striatum.
• FA in the CC was negatively associated with participants' mean age.
• Reduced FA in the CC correlated negatively with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores.

Conclusions:

• Disruptions in the corpus callosum and left striatum integrity are implicated in cognitive decline associated with MCI.
• These findings deepen the understanding of WM neurodegeneration in MCI.
• The results offer potential avenues for early dementia detection and intervention strategies.