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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
Leveraging longitudinal diffusion MRI data to quantify differences in white matter microstructural decline in normal
Derek B Archer1,2, Kurt Schilling3,4, Niranjana Shashikumar1
1Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville Tennessee USA.
Introduction:
It is unclear how rates of white matter microstructural decline differ between normal aging and abnormal aging.
Methods:
Diffusion MRI data from several well-established longitudinal cohorts of aging (Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative [ADNI], Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging [BLSA], Vanderbilt Memory & Aging Project [VMAP]) were free-water corrected and harmonized. This dataset included 1723 participants (age at baseline: 72.8 ± 8.87 years, 49.5% male) and 4605 imaging sessions (follow-up time: 2.97 ± 2.09 years, follow-up range: 1-13 years, mean number of visits: 4.42 ± 1.98). Differences in white matter microstructural decline in normal and abnormal agers was assessed.
Results:
While we found a global decline in white matter in normal/abnormal aging, we found that several white matter tracts (e.g., cingulum bundle) were vulnerable to abnormal aging.
Conclusions:
There is a prevalent role of white matter microstructural decline in aging, and future large-scale studies in this area may further refine our understanding of the underlying neurodegenerative processes.
Highlights:
Longitudinal data were free-water corrected and harmonized.Global effects of white matter decline were seen in normal and abnormal aging.The free-water metric was most vulnerable to abnormal aging.Cingulum free-water was the most vulnerable to abnormal aging.
Insights
White matter microstructural decline occurs in both normal and abnormal aging. However, specific white matter tracts, like the cingulum bundle, show greater vulnerability in abnormal aging processes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- White matter microstructural integrity is crucial for cognitive function during aging.
- Distinguishing between normal and abnormal aging trajectories is essential for understanding neurodegeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in white matter microstructural decline between normal and abnormal aging.
- To identify specific white matter tracts vulnerable to abnormal aging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized harmonized and free-water corrected diffusion MRI data from longitudinal aging cohorts (ADNI, BLSA, VMAP).
- Included 1723 participants with 4605 imaging sessions and a mean follow-up of 2.97 years.
- Assessed differences in white matter microstructural decline in normal versus abnormal aging.
Main Results:
- A global decline in white matter was observed in both normal and abnormal aging.
- Specific white matter tracts, including the cingulum bundle, demonstrated increased vulnerability in abnormal aging.
- The free-water metric highlighted heightened susceptibility in abnormal aging, particularly within the cingulum.
Conclusions:
- White matter microstructural decline plays a significant role across the aging spectrum.
- Abnormal aging disproportionately affects certain white matter tracts, suggesting targeted neurodegenerative processes.
- Future large-scale studies are warranted to further elucidate these age-related neurodegenerative mechanisms.
