A population-based study on motor performance and white matter lesions in older women.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between motor performance and white matter lesions (WMLs) on computed tomography (CT) of the brain in older women.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Population-based study in Göteborg, Sweden.


METHODS
A total of 248 women aged 70, 74, and 78 years.


METHODS
Motor performance was measured by a Postural-Locomotion-Manual (PLM) test using an optoelectronic technique. WMLs on CT scans were rated as no, mild, moderate, or severe.


RESULTS
White matter lesions were associated with impaired mobility of the lower extremities, that is, prolonged locomotion phase in the PLM test. This association was also present after controlling for age, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, chronic bronchitis, intermittent claudication, and smoking.


CONCLUSIONS
Cerebral white matter lesions may contribute to motor impairments in older adults.
Guo
X
X
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Göteborg University, Sweden.
Skoog
I
I
Matousek
M
M
Larsson
L
L
Palsson
S
S
Sundh
V
V
Steen
B
B
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013548:Sweden; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014930:Women