Structural changes in white matter lesion patients and their correlation with cognitive impairment

AbstractThis study examined whether distinct neuropsychological profiles could be delineated in a sample with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and whether white matter lesion (WML) burden contributed to MCI group differences. A heterogeneous, clinical sample of 70 older adults diagnosed with MCI was assessed using cognitive scores, and WML was quantified using a semi-automated, volumetric approach on T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. Using cluster and discriminant analyses, three distinct groups (Memory/Language, Executive/Processing Speed, and Pure Memory) were empirically derived based on cognitive scores. Results also showed a dose dependent relationship of WML burden to MCI subgroup, with the Executive/Processing Speed subgroup demonstrating significantly higher levels of WML pathology when compared to the other subgroups. In addition, there was a dissociation of lesion type by the two most impaired subgroups (Memory/Language and Executive/Processing Speed) such that the Memory/Language subgroup showed higher periventricular lesion (PVL) and lower deep white matter lesion (DWML) volumes, whereas the Executive/Processing Speed demonstrated higher DWML and lower PVL volumes. Results demonstrate that distinct MCI subgroups can be empirically derived and reliably differentiated from a heterogeneous MCI sample, and that these profiles differ according to WML burden. Overall, findings suggest different underlying pathologies within MCI and contribute to our understanding of MCI subtypes. (JINS, 2009, 15, 906–914.)

Download Full-text

Microstructural White Matter Abnormalities Independent of White Matter Lesion Burden in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer Disease Among Han Chinese Elderly

Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders ◽

10.1097/wad.0b013e3181df1c7b ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 317-324 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jing Liao ◽

Yue Zhu ◽

Meiyan Zhang ◽

Huishu Yuan ◽

Min-Ying Su ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

White Matter ◽

Alzheimer Disease ◽

White Matter Lesion ◽

Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Han Chinese ◽

Chinese Elderly ◽

White Matter Abnormalities

Download Full-text

Higher white matter hyperintensity lesion load is associated with reduced long-range functional connectivity

Brain Communications ◽

10.1093/braincomms/fcaa111 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Fanny Quandt ◽

Felix Fischer ◽

Julian Schröder ◽

Marlene Heinze ◽

Iris Lettow ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

White Matter ◽

Functional Connectivity ◽

White Matter Hyperintensities ◽

Small Vessel Disease ◽

White Matter Lesion ◽

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease ◽

Small Vessel ◽

Lesion Load ◽

Vessel Disease

Abstract Cerebral small vessel disease is a common disease in the older population and is recognized as a major risk factor for cognitive decline and stroke. Small vessel disease is considered a global brain disease impacting the integrity of neuronal networks resulting in disturbances of structural and functional connectivity. A core feature of cerebral small vessel disease commonly present on neuroimaging is white matter hyperintensities. We studied high-resolution resting-state EEG, leveraging source reconstruction methods, in 35 participants with varying degree of white matter hyperintensities without clinically evident cognitive impairment in an observational study. In patients with increasing white matter lesion load, global theta power was increased independently of age. Whole-brain functional connectivity revealed a disrupted network confined to the alpha band in participants with higher white matter hyperintensities lesion load. The decrease of functional connectivity was evident in long-range connections, mostly originating or terminating in the frontal lobe. Cognitive testing revealed no global cognitive impairment; however, some participants revealed deficits of executive functions that were related to larger white matter hyperintensities lesion load. In summary, participants without clinical signs of mild cognitive impairment or dementia showed oscillatory changes that were significantly related to white matter lesion load. Hence, oscillatory neuronal network changes due to white matter lesions might act as biomarker prior to clinically relevant behavioural impairment.

Download Full-text

Changes in Cerebral Volume and White Matter Integrity in Adults on Hemodialysis and Relationship to Cognitive Function

Nephron ◽

10.1159/000510614 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 145 (1) ◽

pp. 35-43

Author(s):

Wesley T. Richerson ◽

Laura G. Umfleet ◽

Brian D. Schmit ◽

Dawn F. Wolfgram

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

White Matter ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Gray Matter ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Structural Integrity ◽

Diffusion Tensor ◽

White Matter Integrity ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Matter Volume

Introduction: Patients on hemodialysis (HD) have a significant burden of cognitive impairment. Characterizing the cerebral structural changes in HD patients compared to healthy controls and evaluating the relationship of cerebral structural integrity with cognitive performance in HD patients can help clarify the pathophysiology of the cognitive impairment in HD patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, in-center HD patients ≥50 years of age underwent brain structural and diffusion MRIs and cognitive assessment using the NIH Toolbox cognition battery. The cerebral imaging measures of the HD participants were compared to imaging from age-matched controls. Gray matter volume, white matter volume, and white matter integrity determined by diffusion tensor imaging parameters (including fractional anisotropy [FA]) were measured in both cohorts to determine differences in the cerebral structure between HD participants and healthy controls. The association between cognitive performance on the NIH Toolbox cognition battery and cerebral structural integrity was evaluated using multiple linear regression models. Results: We compared imaging measures form 23 HD participants and 15 age-matched controls. The HD participants had decreased gray matter volumes (526.8 vs. 589.5 cm3, p < 0.01) and worsened white matter integrity overall (FA values of 0.2864 vs. 0.3441, p < 0.01) within major white matter tracts compared to healthy controls. Decreases in white matter integrity in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus was associated with lower executive function scores (r2 = 0.24, p = 0.02) and inferior longitudinal fasciculus with lower memory scores (r = 0.25 and p = 0.03 for left and r2 = 0.21 and p = 0.03 for right). Conclusions: HD patients have a pattern of decreased white matter integrity and gray matter atrophy compared to controls. Decreases in white matter integrity were associated with decreased cognitive performance in the HD population.

Download Full-text