The cognitive correlates of white matter abnormalities in normal aging: a quantitative review.

Publication Type	Review
Authors	Gunning-Dixon F, Raz N
Journal	Neuropsychology
Volume	14
Issue	2
Pagination	224-32
Date Published	04/01/2000
ISSN	0894-4105
Keywords	Aging, Brain, Cognition
Abstract	Cerebral white matter of asymptomatic people frequently exhibits circumscribed areas of hyperintensity on magnetic resonance (MR) images and hypodensity on computed tomography scans. However, behavioral implications of this phenomenon remain unclear. In this meta-analysis, the authors examine cumulative evidence regarding the cognitive sequelae of white matter abnormalities in adults without dementia. The influence of potential moderator variables, such as neuroimaging technique, location of the lesions, rating scale, and demographic characteristics of the sample on the association between the burden of white matter hyperintensities and cognitive performance was also examined. Results indicate that white matter abnormalities observed on MR images are associated with attenuated performance on tasks of processing speed, immediate and delayed memory, executive functions, and indices of global cognitive functioning. There was no significant link between the white matter hyperintensities and psychometric indices of intelligence or fine motor performance.
DOI	10.1037//0894-4105.14.2.224
PubMed ID	10791862