White matter changes in cerebral computed tomography related to aging

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Gerontology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Aging is associated with structural and functional changes in the brain.
• Computed cranial tomography (CCT) is a valuable tool for assessing brain morphology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-related changes in white matter using CCT.
• To determine the relationship between white matter attenuation and aging.

Main Methods:

• 123 healthy subjects aged 23-88 years underwent CCT scans.
• White matter attenuation values in the centrum semiovale were measured.
• Statistical analyses were performed to assess the effect of age and ventricular/sulcal size.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in white matter attenuation values was observed with increasing age.
• Ventricular and sulcal size did not independently influence white matter attenuation after accounting for age.

Conclusions:

• Aging is associated with alterations in white matter composition, as indicated by decreased attenuation values.
• These findings suggest a gradual chemical change in white matter during the aging process.