The Association of Cognitive Dysfunction with White Matter Hyperintensity in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

ObjectivesZZWe investigated the relationship between periventricular and deep white matter hyperintensity and cognitive function in Alzheimer’Ys disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MethodsZZT2-weighted MRI scans were performed in 41 subjects with AD 38 subjects with mild cognitive impairment and 38 control subjects. Periventricular and deep white matter hyperintensities were rated on a Fazekas 0-3 scale by a medical specialist of the department of radiology blind to clinical diagnosis. Cognitive function was assessed by using Cognitive Assessment and Reference Dia-gnoses System. ResultsZZNo significant differences between demographic characteristics and vascular risk factors were revealed comparing AD, MCI and controls. The frequencies of AD were significantly higher than those of MCI and normal control in Grade 2 and 3 of periventricular hyperintensity and Grade 3 of deep white matter hyperintensity. The scores of amnesia, executive function and attention were significantly lower in Grade 2 and 3 of periventricular hyperintensity than in Grade 0 and 1. The scores of attention were significantly lower in Grade 3 of deep white matter hyperintensity than in Grade 0, 1 and 2. ConclusionZZ Periventricualr hyperintensities are associated with cognitive decline in amnesia, executive function and attention, while deep white matter hyperintensities are associated with cognitive decline in attention.