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01-12-2009 | Review

Cerebral White Matter Integrity and Cognitive Aging: Contributions from Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Authors: David J. Madden, Ilana J. Bennett, Allen W. Song

Published in: Neuropsychology Review | Issue 4/2009

Abstract

The integrity of cerebral white matter is critical for efficient cognitive functioning, but little is known regarding the role of white matter integrity in age-related differences in cognition. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures the directional displacement of molecular water and as a result can characterize the properties of white matter that combine to restrict diffusivity in a spatially coherent manner. This review considers DTI studies of aging and their implications for understanding adult age differences in cognitive performance. Decline in white matter integrity contributes to a disconnection among distributed neural systems, with a consistent effect on perceptual speed and executive functioning. The relation between white matter integrity and cognition varies across brain regions, with some evidence suggesting that age-related effects exhibit an anterior–posterior gradient. With continued improvements in spatial resolution and integration with functional brain imaging, DTI holds considerable promise, both for theories of cognitive aging and for translational application.

Virtually all neuroimaging studies of aging, as well as behavioral studies, are cross-sectional investigations of different age groups, rather than longitudinal studies of the same individuals over time. In describing cross-sectional results as age-related, we recognize that the differences among age groups include influences other than age (e.g., cohort effects). Thus, differences among the age groups in the dependent variables, expressed as deficits or improvements in particular measures, do not necessarily represent age-related change, for which longitudinal data are required.

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Title: Cerebral White Matter Integrity and Cognitive Aging: Contributions from Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: David J. Madden
Ilana J. Bennett
Allen W. Song
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Neuropsychology Review / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 1040-7308
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6660
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-009-9113-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Cerebral White Matter Integrity and Cognitive Aging: Contributions from Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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