Aging of cerebral white matter: a review of MRI findings

Faith M. Gunning-Dixon, Adam M. Brickman, Janice C. Cheng, George S. Alexopoulos
2009 International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry  
Background-Cerebral aging is a complex and heterogeneous process that is associated with a high degree of inter-individual variability. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to identify and quantify non-disease-related aging of the cerebral white matter. Methods-The present article reviews the findings from several MRI techniques, including morphometric approaches, study of white matter hyperintensities, diffusion tensor imaging, and magnetization transfer imaging that have
more » ... n used to examine aging of the cerebral white matter. Furthermore, the relationship of MRI indices of white matter integrity to age-related cognitive declines is reported. Results-A general pattern of age-related preservation and decline emerges indicating that the prefrontal white matter is most susceptible to the influence of age. Studies that combine MRI with cognitive measures suggest that such age-related reductions in white matter integrity may produce a disconnection state that underlies some of the age-related performance declines in age-sensitive cognitive domains. Conclusions-White matter aging may contribute to a disconnection state that is associated with declines in episodic memory, executive functions, and information processing speed. Keywords Aging; White Matter; MRI Cerebral aging is a complex and heterogeneous process that is associated with a high degree of inter-individual variability and characterized by a pattern of selective loss and preservation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) makes in vivo characterization of brain alterations occurring with advancing age possible. The use of MRI allows thorough characterization of non-disease-related brain aging and facilitates the study of anatomical alterations that contribute to the cognitive and affective symptoms of late-life psychiatric illnesses. This review will focus on the results of MRI studies of white matter changes that occur with normal aging and the relationship of age-associated changes in white matter to age-related declines in cognitive abilities.
doi:10.1002/gps.2087 pmid:18637641 pmcid:PMC2631089 fatcat:5plgws7durgk7anjtxrbpuyuuq