title: Hyperintensities and fronto-subcortical atrophy on MRI are substrates of mild cognitive deficits after stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current study determines the MRI correlations of the early neuropsychological post-stroke cognitive deficits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Detailed neuropsychological assessments (attention and working memory) were undertaken in 50 stroke survivors >75 years of age [38 with ageing-associated cognitive decline (AACD)] and 15 age-matched controls. A 1.5-tesla General Electric MRI scanner was used. Standardized visual ratings were undertaken of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Grey matter volumes were assessed using voxel-based morphometery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Associations were identified between processing speed and executive function and the severity of WMH in key areas. In addition, atrophy in the fronto-subcortical circuits was associated with AACD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Attentional and executive impairments are underpinned by WMH in fronto-striato-thalamo-frontal circuits. Frontal atrophy is identified as a novel substrate of cognitive decline in stroke patients.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Ageing and Health, Wolfson Research Centre, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Burton
authors.forename: Clive
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ballard
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: Rose Anne
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Kenny
authors.forename: Raj
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kalaria
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barber
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Brien
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001284:Atrophy; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology