White matter microstructure changes across the lifespan: a meta-analysis of longitudinal diffusion MRI studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

White matter in the human brain is known to play a critical role in facilitating communication between different brain regions. White matter microstructure is often quantified using fractional anisotropy (FA) derived from diffusion-weighted MRI and is often considered a key measure of neural efficiency that is positively associated with motor and cognitive functioning. While lifespan trajectories of FA have been well studied in cross-sectional designs, it remains less clear how FA changes longitudinally with age across the lifespan, and whether the rates of change are influenced by genetic variation.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the evidence of white matter changes, as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) with diffusion magnetic resonance imaging longitudi

SUBMITTER: Colyer-Patel K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12393443 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature