Open AccessAnatomical Links between White Matter Hyperintensity and Medial Temporal Atrophy Reveal Impairment of Executive Functions
Author(s) -
Takehiko Yamanaka,
Yuto Uchida,
Keita Sakurai,
Daisuke Kato,
Masayuki Mizuno,
Toyohiro Sato,
Yuta Madokoro,
Yûkô Kondô,
Asuka Suzuki,
Yoshino Ueki,
Fumiyasu Ishii,
Cesar V. Borlongan,
Noriyuki Matsukawa
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
aging and disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.808
H-Index - 54
ISSN - 2152-5250
DOI - 10.14336/ad.2018.0929
Subject(s) - hyperintensity , cognitive flexibility , verbal fluency test , executive functions , executive dysfunction , neuropsychology , cognition , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , fluency , atrophy , flexibility (engineering) , boston naming test , white matter , psychology , working memory , audiology , neuroscience , pathology , radiology , statistics , mathematics education , mathematics
Although several studies have demonstrated correlation between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and impairment of executive functions, the underlying anatomical-functional relationships are not fully understood. The present study sought to investigate the correlations between the volume of WMH and medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) using quantitative magnetic resonance image (MRI) and a variety of executive function assessments. A total of 91 patients ranging in age from 58 to 90 years with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) or early phase AD were recruited from the outpatient clinic at the Department of Neurology of Nagoya City University Hospital. We administered neuropsychological batteries evaluating verbal memory, orientation, spatial ability, sustained attention, and a variety of executive functions, including verbal fluency, flexibility, inhibition, and working memory. Quantitative MRI analyses were performed using Dr. View/Linux software and a voxel-based specific regional analysis system. Significant correlations were observed between WMH, as well as MTA, and some executive function scores. Regression analysis revealed that MTA was the strongest predictor of flexibility and verbal fluency. These findings provide new insight into the relationship between quantitative MRI analyses and various types of executive dysfunction in elderly people with MCI due to AD and/or early phase AD. When cognitive function is examined in elderly patients with MCI due to AD or early phase AD, it is important to consider the involvement of WMH and MTA, which is indicative of AD pathology in cognitive dysfunction, particularly executive function.