Altered tract-specific white matter microstructure is related to poorer cognitive performance: The Rotterdam Study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.11.021
• Publication Date: 2015-12-02T12:04:20Z
• Authors: Lotte G.M. Cremers; Marius de Groot; Albert Hofman; Gabriel P. Krestin; Aad van der Lugt; Wiro J. Niessen; Meike W. Vernooij; M. Arfan Ikram
• Keywords: Fasciculus; Corticospinal tract

White matter microstructural integrity has been related to cognition. Yet, the potential role of specific white tracts on top a global effect remains unclear, especially when considering cognitive domains. Therefore, we determined tract-specific microstructure cognition and In 4400 nondemented stroke-free participants (mean age 63.7 years, 55.5% women), obtained diffusion magnetic resonance imaging parameters (fractional anisotropy mean diffusivity) in 14 using probabilistic tractography assessed performance with test battery. Tract-specific all supratentorial was associated poorer Lower fractional association tracts, primarily inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, higher diffusivity projection particular posterior thalamic radiation, most strongly Altered information processing speed, executive functioning, motor but not memory. changes may aid better understanding mechanism impairment neurodegenerative diseases.