Aim: To analyze the relationship between periventricular (PV) and subcortical (SC) white matter lesions (WML) and cognitive function in patients with memory impairment. Methods: In total, 253 patients with Global Deterioration Scale scores ≧3 who had been referred to a university-based memory unit due to memory complaints were included (mean age 69.7 years, 124 females). Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (Cognistat), and full test results were available for 217 patients. PV and SC WML loads (semi-quantitative rating on axial T2-weighted MRI scans) were used in linear regression as predictors of cognition. Results: MMSE was significantly correlated with SC WML (p = 0.005), but not with PV WML (p = 0.19). Cognistat tests for orientation, comprehension, visuoconstruction, calculation, similarities, and judgment were negatively correlated with SC WML (p < 0.01), as was verbal memory with parieto-occipital SC WML (p < 0.05). Visuoconstruction and calculation were negatively correlated with PV WML (p < 0.05). Parieto-occipital WML were more strongly related to cognition than fronto-temporal WML. Only SC WML were significantly correlated with cognition when PV and SC WML were entered simultaneously in the regression model. Conclusion: In patients with cognitive impairment, SC WML, in particular in parieto-occipital regions, were associated with reduced cognitive function.

Keywords:
Cerebrovascular diseases, Cognitive impairment, Memory disorders, Magnetic resonance imaging, White matter hyperintensities, White matter lesions
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.