The effect of white matter hyperintensities on neurodegeneration in mild cognitive impairment.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

It is unclear whether white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), magnetic resonance imaging markers of small-vessel cerebrovascular disease, promote neurodegeneration and associated clinical decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), or simply co-occur with recognized pathogenic processes.

Methods

In 169 patients with mild cognitive impairment, followed for 3 years, we examined the association of (1) baseline regional WMH and cerebral spinal fluid-derived t-tau (total tau) with entorhinal cortex atrophy rates, as a marker of AD-related neurodegeneration, and conversion to AD; and (2) baseline regional WMH with change in t-tau level.

Results

In participants with low baseline t-tau, higher regional WMH volumes were associated with faster entorhinal cortex atrophy. Hig

SUBMITTER: Tosto G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4677059 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature