title: Neuroimaging of white matter in aging and dementia.
abstract: Clinical neuroscientists have focused increasing attention on white matter connections in the brain and on the effects of aging and disease on these connections. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis have given researchers new tools for quantifying and visualizing white matter to better relate white matter structure and function. The goals of this article are (a) to acquaint the reader with both established and newer methods for imaging and quantifying white matter anatomy and pathology; and (b) to review recent findings on white matter pathology in aging and dementia. Computer-assisted quantification appears to offer better statistical power than visual rating scales for detecting these relationships. New MR modalities such as diffusion imaging can detect white matter abnormalities not shown with conventional acquisition sequences. These newer techniques hold promise for early detection of disease and for delineating functional connections between brain areas.
authors: Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, USA. pmalloy@butler.org
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Malloy
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Correia
authors: Glenn
authors: G
authors: Stebbins
authors: David H
authors: DH
authors: Laidlaw
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D015140:Dementia, Vascular / Q000175:diagnosis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000473:pathology; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000473:pathology; D012016:Reference Values