Cognitive Performance and White Matter Lesions in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Urias Uriel, Thomas Kelsey, Garcia Mary Ellen, Gonzalez Amanda, Luu Britney, Gutierrez Victoria, Bangen Katherine
Primary Institution: San Diego State University and University of California San Diego
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between intraindividual variability in cognitive performance and white matter lesions in older adults?
Conclusion
The study found that lower mean cognitive performance is associated with more white matter lesions, while intraindividual variability showed no significant association.
Supporting Evidence
- Lower mean cognitive performance was associated with more white matter lesions in memory and executive function domains.
- Intraindividual variability in cognitive performance showed no significant association with white matter lesions.
Takeaway
Older people with lower average scores on cognitive tests tend to have more brain damage, but how much their scores vary doesn't seem to matter.
Methodology
The study involved 70 older adults who completed neuropsychological tests and underwent MRI scans to assess white matter lesions.
Limitations
The study only examined cross-sectional data and had a small sample size, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Older adults without dementia, mean age 68.57.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.025, p=.018, p=.003
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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