Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Assessment of microstructural changes in white matter hyperintensities in aging and mild cognitive impairment
Maurizio Bergamino1, Megan R Nelson1,2, Elizabeth Keeling1,2
1Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Background:
White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are common in older adults and appear as abnormal signal on T2-weighted or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are often linked to demyelination, axonal damage, and gliosis, as well as vascular changes. WMHs occur in both normal aging and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), where they may contribute to cognitive decline.
Objective:
The study objectives were to determine whether advanced diffusion MRI (dMRI) techniques can detect distinct microstructural changes within WMHs in individuals with MCI compared to healthy controls and to evaluate relationships between these measures and cognitive performance.
Methods:
Advanced dMRI techniques were used to assess WMH microstructural changes in normal aging (n = 55) and MCI (n = 46) participants from the ADNI database. WMHs and their surrounding penumbra were identified using an automated approach. Microstructural characteristics, derived from free-water (FW) diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging, were evaluated between groups and white matter regions. Associations between these measures and cognitive performance (assessed by the Mini-Mental State Exam) were examined.
Results:
Across both groups, WMHs showed higher FW and lower FW-fractional anisotropy and kurtosis metrics compared to normal-appearing white matter, indicating widespread microstructural alterations. No groupwise microstructural differences were observed within corresponding tissue types. In the MCI group, kurtosis metrics within WMHs correlated with cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight the complexity of WMH-related microstructural changes and suggest that advanced dMRI biomarkers may offer valuable insights into the role of white matter changes in aging and cognitive decline.
Insights
Advanced diffusion MRI (dMRI) reveals widespread microstructural changes in white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in older adults. These changes, particularly in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), correlate with cognitive performance, suggesting dMRI biomarkers for cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Radiology
- Neurology
Background:
- White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are prevalent in older adults and associated with aging and cognitive decline.
- WMHs are linked to demyelination, axonal damage, and vascular changes, detectable via MRI.
- They are observed in both normal aging and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if advanced diffusion MRI (dMRI) can detect microstructural differences in WMHs in MCI patients compared to controls.
- To assess the relationship between these microstructural measures and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized advanced dMRI techniques (free-water diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging) on participants from the ADNI database (55 normal aging, 46 MCI).
- Automated identification of WMHs and their surrounding penumbra.
- Evaluated microstructural characteristics and their association with cognitive performance (Mini-Mental State Exam).
Main Results:
- WMHs exhibited higher free-water and lower fractional anisotropy and kurtosis metrics than normal-appearing white matter, indicating widespread alterations.
- No significant group-wise microstructural differences were found within corresponding tissue types.
- In the MCI group, kurtosis metrics within WMHs correlated with cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Advanced dMRI reveals complex microstructural changes within WMHs.
- These findings suggest that advanced dMRI biomarkers can provide valuable insights into the role of white matter changes in cognitive decline.
- dMRI may be a useful tool for understanding the impact of WMHs on aging and cognition.
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