White matter hyperintensity topography in Alzheimer's disease and links to cognition. Issue 3 (28th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garnier‐Crussard, Antoine; Bougacha, Salma; Wirth, Miranka; Dautricourt, Sophie; Sherif, Siya; Landeau, Brigitte; Gonneaud, Julie; De Flores, Robin; de la Sayette, Vincent; Vivien, Denis; Krolak‐Salmon, Pierre; Chételat, Gaël
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 18:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 422
• Page End: 433
• Publication Date: 2021-07-28
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- amyloid positron emission tomography -- cognition -- corpus callosum -- executive functions -- fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery -- memory -- magnetic resonance imaging -- splenium -- white matter hyperintensities; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.12410
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are often described in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their topography and specific relationships with cognition remain unclear. Methods: Regional WMH were estimated in 54 cognitively impaired amyloid beta–positive AD (Aβpos‐AD), compared to 40 cognitively unimpaired amyloid beta–negative older controls (Aβneg‐controls) matched for vascular risk factors. The cross‐sectional association between regional WMH volume and cognition was assessed within each group, controlling for cerebral amyloid burden, global cortical atrophy, and hippocampal atrophy. Results: WMH volume was larger in Aβpos‐AD compared to Aβneg‐controls in all regions, with the greatest changes in the splenium of the corpus callosum (S‐CC). In Aβpos‐AD patients, larger total and regional WMH volume, especially in the S‐CC, was strongly associated with decreased cognition. Discussion: WMH specifically contribute to lower cognition in AD, independently from amyloid deposition and atrophy. This study emphasizes the clinical relevance of WMH in AD, especially posterior WMH, and most notably S‐CC WMH.