Magnetization transfer imaging, white matter hyperintensities, brain atrophy and slower gait in older men and women.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess whether markers of micro- and macrostructural brain abnormalities are associated with slower gait in older men and women independent of each other, and also independent of health-related conditions and of behavioral, cognitive and peripheral function.

Methods

Magnetization transfer ratio [MTR], white matter hyperintensities [WMH], brain atrophy [BA] and brain infarcts [BI] were measured in 795 participants of the AGES-Reykjavik Study cohort (mean 75.6 years, 58.9% women).

Results

In women, lower MTR, higher WMH and BA, but not BI, remained associated with slower gait independent of each other and of other covariates. In men, WMH and BA, but not MTR or BI, remained associated with slower gait independently of each other. Only muscle strength, execut

SUBMITTER: Rosano C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2873052 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature