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Neuroradiology

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01-05-2011 | Functional Neuroradiology

White matter hyperintensities and changes in white matter integrity in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

Authors: Liya Wang, Felicia C. Goldstein, Allan I. Levey, James J. Lah, Carolyn C. Meltzer, Chad A. Holder, Hui Mao

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

Introduction

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study investigated the relationship between WMHs and white matter changes in AD using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and the sensitivity of each DTI index in distinguishing AD with WMHs.

Methods

Forty-four subjects with WMHs were included. Subjects were classified into three groups based on the Scheltens rating scale: 15 AD patients with mild WMHs, 12 AD patients with severe WMHs, and 17 controls with mild WMHs. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (D_R), and axial diffusivity (D_A) were analyzed using the region of interest and tract-based spatial statistics methods. Sensitivity and specificity of DTI indices in distinguishing AD groups from the controls were evaluated.

Results

AD patients with mild WMHs exhibited differences from control subjects in most DTI indices in the medial temporal and frontal areas; however, differences in DTI indices from AD patients with mild WMHs and AD patients with severe WMHs were found in the parietal and occipital areas. FA and D_R were more sensitive measurements than MD and D_A in differentiating AD patients from controls, while MD was a more sensitive measurement in distinguishing AD patients with severe WMHs from those with mild WMHs.

Conclusions

WMHs may contribute to the white matter changes in AD brains, specifically in temporal and frontal areas. Changes in parietal and occipital lobes may be related to the severity of WMHs. D_R may serve as an imaging marker of myelin deficits associated with AD.

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Title: White matter hyperintensities and changes in white matter integrity in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Liya Wang
Felicia C. Goldstein
Allan I. Levey
James J. Lah
Carolyn C. Meltzer
Chad A. Holder
Hui Mao
Publication date: 01-05-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-010-0806-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

White matter hyperintensities and changes in white matter integrity in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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