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Greater White Matter Hyperintensities and More Severe Cognitive Dysfunction in Mild Cognitive Impairment With Motoric

Joon Hyuk Park1,2, Hyun Ju Yang1,3, Suyeon Park3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea.

Journal of Korean Medical Science
|August 26, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCRS) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients is linked to increased white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Identifying MCRS aids in predicting dementia risk and understanding cognitive decline.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCRS) combines slow gait and cognitive complaints.
  • A motor-based approach aids in identifying individuals at high risk for dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and MCRS in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
  • To determine if MCRS represents a distinct clinical entity within the MCI population.

Main Methods:

  • 81 outpatients with MCI underwent clinical evaluations, volumetric brain MRI, and neuropsychological testing.
  • White matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume was calculated using automated segmentation from 3D MRI images.
  • MCRS was defined by cognitive complaints and gait speed at least one standard deviation below age- and sex-specific means.

Main Results:

  • A significant negative relationship was found between WMH volume and gait speed in both MCRS and non-MCRS MCI groups.
  • Age and WMH volume were significantly associated with MCRS after adjusting for confounders.
  • MCRS patients showed significantly worse performance in memory and cognitive tests compared to MCI patients without slow gait.

Conclusions:

  • MCRS is a distinct clinical entity within the MCI population.
  • MCRS is characterized by greater cognitive impairment and increased WMH burden.
  • This highlights the importance of motor function assessment in MCI for predicting cognitive decline.
Keywords:
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCRS)White Matter Hyperintensites (WMH)

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