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Exploring the Contribution of Myelin Content in Normal Appearing White Matter to Cognitive Outcomes in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.
- Source :
-
Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD [J Alzheimers Dis] 2021; Vol. 80 (1), pp. 91-101. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Background: Myelin damage is a salient feature in cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Of note, myelin damage extends into the normal appearing white matter (NAWM). Currently, the specific role of myelin content in cognition is poorly understood.<br />Objective: The objective of this exploratory study was to investigate the association between NAWM myelin and cognitive function in older adults with cSVD.<br />Methods: This exploratory study included 55 participants with cSVD. NAWM myelin was measured using myelin water imaging and was quantified as myelin water fraction (MWF). Assessment of cognitive function included processing speed (Trail Making Test Part A), set shifting (Trail Making Test Part B minus A), working memory (Verbal Digit Span Backwards Test), and inhibition (Stroop Test). Multiple linear regression analyses assessed the contribution of NAWM MWF on cognitive outcomes controlling for age, education, and total white matter hyperintensity volume. The overall alpha was set at ≤0.05.<br />Results: After accounting for age, education, and total white matter hyperintensity volume, lower NAWM MWF was significantly associated with slower processing speed (β = -0.29, p = 0.037) and poorer working memory (β= 0.30, p = 0.048). NAWM MWF was not significantly associated with set shifting or inhibitory control (p > 0.132).<br />Conclusion: Myelin loss in NAWM may play a role in the evolution of impaired processing speed and working memory in people with cSVD. Future studies, with a longitudinal design and larger sample sizes, are needed to fully elucidate the role of myelin as a potential biomarker for cognitive function.
- Subjects :
- Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases diagnostic imaging
Cognitive Dysfunction diagnostic imaging
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Memory Disorders diagnostic imaging
Memory Disorders etiology
Memory Disorders psychology
Memory, Short-Term
Mental Status and Dementia Tests
Middle Aged
Neuropsychological Tests
Reaction Time
Stroop Test
Trail Making Test
White Matter diagnostic imaging
Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases metabolism
Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases psychology
Cognition
Cognitive Dysfunction metabolism
Cognitive Dysfunction psychology
Myelin Sheath metabolism
White Matter metabolism
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1875-8908
- Volume :
- 80
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 33523006
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-201134