Magnetization Transfer Ratio Relates to Cognitive Impairment in Normal Elderly

Abstract

Magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) can detect microstructural brain tissue changes and may be helpful in determining age-related cerebral damage. We investigated the association between the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in gray and white matter (WM) and cognitive functioning in 355 participants of the Austrian stroke prevention family study (ASPS-Fam) aged 38–86 years. MTR maps were generated for the neocortex, deep gray matter structures, WM hyperintensities, and normal appearing WM (NAWM). Adjusted mixed models determined whole brain and lobar cortical MTR to be directly and significantly related to performance on tests of memory, executive function, and motor skills. There existed an almost linear dose-effect relationship. MTR of deep gray matter structures and NAWM correlated to executive functioning. All associations were independent of demographics, vascular risk factors, focal brain lesions, and cortex volume. Further research is needed to understand the basis of this association at the tissue level, and to determine the role of MTR in predicting cognitive decline and dementia.

Changes in White Matter Microstructure Suggest an Inflammatory Origin of Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…However, these results may be related to the prevalence of certain syndromes and their activity at the time of MRI as well as to the heterogeneity of NPSLE. As mentioned above, nonspecific microstructural changes of the brain tissue as measured by MTR have been found in several brain regions in patients with cognitive impairment, psychosis, and mood disorder (35)(36)(37).…”

Gray matter heritability in family‐based and population‐based studies using voxel‐based morphometry

“…The procedure of recruitment and diagnostic work‐up of study participants has been described previously [Schmidt et al, ]. Between 2006 and 2013 the study was extended for the Austrian Stroke Prevention Family Study (ASPS‐Fam) [Seiler et al, ]. Study participants of the ASPS and their first grade relatives were invited to enter ASPS‐Fam.…”

“…MRI scanning of the ASPS‐Fam was done on a 3.0 T Tim Trio (Siemens, Erlangen). T1‐MPRAGE 1 × 1 × 1 mm was used for image processing [Seiler et al, ].…”

Myelin content changes in probable Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: Associations with age and severity of neuropsychiatric impairment

“…Normal aging is also known to impact NAWM integrity as indexed by FA and MTR, with the specific anatomic pattern of age‐related effects varying across studies . To date, the importance of NAWM integrity as a potential mediator of age‐related cognitive decline has only been studied in cross‐sectional samples of cognitively intact volunteers relying on FA and MTR . However, the extent to which the age‐related reduction in myelin content is actually involved in the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits and increased depressive symptomatology associated with AD and MCI is largely unknown.…”