An Observational Study: Investigating White Matter Tract Alterations in Females Across Age Groups Using Diffusion...

Introduction White matter tracts in the brain are essential for neurocognitive processes. Understanding their integrity is crucial for assessing both healthy and pathological brain states. Tractography based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides a non-invasive method to map and measure these pathways. The purpose of this study is to examine the 10 main white matter tracts in females aged 18 to 50, focusing on mean diffusivity (MD), volume, and fractional anisotropy (FA). Materials and methods Fifty-one healthy females aged 18-50 years participated in the study, divided into three age groups: 18-30, 31-40, and 41-50 years. DTI scans were acquired using a Philips Multiva 1.5T MRI machine. The analyzed white matter tracts included the Inferior Fronto-occipital Fasciculus (IFOF), Superior Fronto-occipital Fasciculus (SFOF), Inferior Longitudinal Fasciculus (ILF), Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus (SLF), Cingulum, Corticospinal Tract (CST), Forceps Major, Forceps Minor, Uncinate Fasciculus, and Anterior Thalamic Radiation (ATR). Volume, FA, and MD were measured and statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis Test. Results The analysis revealed no significant differences in most parameters across age groups. However, significant increases in MD for the SLF and Cingulum in the older age groups suggested potential age-related changes in these pathways. Despite these findings, many other tract parameters did not show statistically significant differences across age groups. Discussion The study highlights potential age-related deterioration in white matter, especially in the SLF and Cingulum, as indicated by higher MD in older age groups. This suggests that white matter may play a role in neurodegenerative processes and cognitive decline. The ability to identify subtle white matter alterations before clinical symptom onset underscores the value of DTI-based tractography in early identification of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the age-related changes in white matter integrity in females aged 18-50, particularly with respect to MD increases in the SLF and Cingulum. The findings underscore the importance of DTI in clinical diagnostics and the early detection of neurodegenerative conditions. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is necessary to explore the influence of additional factors such as hormonal changes and lifestyle on white matter integrity across the lifespan.