Gradient Patterns of Age-Related Diffusivity Changes in Cerebral White Matter

• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.870909
• Publication Date: 2022-06-02T08:46:26Z
• Authors: Jasmina Boban; Majda M. Thurnher; Nikola Boban; Meng Law; Neda Jahanshad; Talia M. Nir; Dajana F. Lendak; Dusko Kozic
• Keywords: physiological brain aging; 4. Education; pattern; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Neurology; magnetic resonance imaging; brain aging; Neurology (clinical); Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system; diffusion-tensor imaging; RC346-429

The current concept of brain aging proposes three gradient patterns changes in white matter that occur during healthy aging: antero-posterior, supero-inferior, and the myelodegeneration-retrogenesis (or "last-in-first-out") concept. aim this study was to correlate diffusivity measures (fractional anisotropy-FA, mean diffusivity-MD, radial diffusivity-RD, axial diffusivity-AD) volunteers with chronological age education level, order potentially incorporate findings proposed physiological aging. performed on 75 participants both sexes, an average 37.32 ± 11.91 years underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion tensor (DTI). DTI using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS), analysis four parameters: FA, MD, RD, AD. Skeletonized were averaged 29 regions interest matter. Correlations between education-level Pearson's correlation test. To correct for multiple comparisons, we applied a Bonferroni correction p-values. Significance set at p ≤ 0.001. A significant negative FA observed posterior thalamic radiation (PTR) (p< 0.001). positive MD sagittal stratum (SS) 0.001), RD PTR, SS, retrolenticular internal capsule AD body corpus callosum There no correlations parameters educational level. According our study, showed richest age, out all metrics. projection fibers, while presented commissural fibers. heterogeneity across cannot be explained by single pattern, since it seems different degradation are true fiber tracts currently available theory can globally explain age-related brain. Additional factors, such as effect somatosensory decline, should included one important covariables existing patterns.