Cognitive correlates of brain MRI subcortical signal hyperintensities in non-demented elderly.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) subcortical gray and capsular (SGCH) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cognitive functions in non-demented community dwelling elderly.


METHODS
The severity of SGCH and WMH on proton density and T2 MR images in 16 subjects was scored using the semi-quantitative rating scale of Scheltens et al. (1993). A limited series of cognitive tests selected a priori were then correlated with severity of SGCH and WMH.


RESULTS
Analysis demonstrated that severity of SGCH was inversely related to performance on the Digit Span (R = -0.64, p < 0.01) and the Stroop Color Word Tests (R = -0.64, p < 0.01). Severity of WMH was related to worsening performance on the Trail Making Test (R = 0.67, p < 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that severity of WMH is negatively related to more pure executive cognitive functions, specifically set shifting, while severity of SGCH is inversely related to more basic functions of attention and working memory.
Marshall
Gad A
GA
Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Hendrickson
Rick
R
Kaufer
Daniel I
DI
Ivanco
Larry S
LS
Bohnen
Nicolaas I
NI
D000368:Aged; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests