Work

The effect of white matter hyperintensities on neurodegeneration in mild cognitive impairment

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: It is unclear whether white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), magnetic resonance imaging markers of small-vessel cerebrovascular disease, promote neurodegeneration and associated clinical decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), or simply co-occur with recognized pathogenic processes. METHODS: In 169 patients with mild cognitive impairment, followed for 3 years, we examined the association of (1) baseline regional WMH and cerebral spinal fluid-derived t-tau (total tau) with entorhinal cortex atrophy rates, as a marker of AD-related neurodegeneration, and conversion to AD; and (2) baseline regional WMH with change in t-tau level. RESULTS: In participants with low baseline t-tau, higher regional WMH volumes were associated with faster entorhinal cortex atrophy. Higher parietal WMH volume predicted conversion to AD in those with high t-tau. Higher parietal and occipital WMH volumes predicted increasing t-tau. DISCUSSION: WMHs affect AD clinical and pathologic processes both directly and interacting with tau.

Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia

DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2015.05.014

Authors: Giuseppe Tosto, Molly E. Zimmerman, Jamie L. Hamilton, Owen T. Carmichael, Adam M. Brickman, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative