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

• DOI: 10.1097/wad.0b013e3181df1c7b
• Publication Date: 2010-06-30T09:38:54Z
• Authors: Jing Liao; Yue Zhu; Meiyan Zhang; Huishu Yuan; Min-Ying Su; Xin Yu; Huali Wang
• Keywords: Posterior cingulate; Abnormality

This study was designed to evaluate the microstructural integrity of white matter (WM) in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) among Han Chinese elderly using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) technique, investigate relationship between WM abnormalities dysfunction. Sixty-four subjects (23 probable AD, 20 MCI, 21 age-matched normal controls) who did not have visible lesion burden were analyzed. Fractional anisotropy (FA) mean diffusivity measured normal-appearing (NAWM) DTI with 64 encoding directions. The results correlated scores Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument (CASI). Statistical analysis showed FA value parietal significantly lower MCI compared NC (P<0.001), further decreased AD (P=0.005). elevated values found temporal WM, frontal parahippocampal posterior cingulate fibers group (all P<0.01). Canonical correlation that from all CASI MMSE (P<0.01). indicated can detect measures performance. In abnormality be limited within WM; a more widespread alteration other brain regions as well.