Leuko-araiosis and cerebral perfusion in normal aging

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroimaging
• Gerontology

Background:

• White matter lesions, or leuko-araiosis, are often detected in elderly individuals.
• Their exact cause and relationship to aging are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence, age-related changes, and pathogenesis of leuko-araiosis in healthy older adults.
• To correlate leuko-araiosis severity with cerebral perfusion and brain structure.

Main Methods:

• 42 healthy volunteers (aged <60 and >60) underwent computerized tomographic (CT) densitometry for leuko-araiosis assessment.
• Cerebral perfusion was measured using xenon-contrasted CT.
• Results were analyzed using computerized tomographic (CT) densitometry and multiple regression.

Main Results:

• Frontal leuko-araiosis was more severe in individuals over 60 compared to younger adults.
• Older adults showed decreased cerebral perfusion in frontal, temporal, and parietal regions.
• Frontal leuko-araiosis severity correlated with frontal cortical atrophy and reduced perfusion in white matter and caudate nucleus.

Conclusions:

• Cortical atrophy and hypoperfusion/ischemia in frontal white matter contribute to frontal leuko-araiosis in normal aging.
• Frontal leuko-araiosis may serve as an early indicator of future cognitive decline.