Associations of mild behavioral impairment and white matter hyperintensity patterns

Abstract INTRODUCTION It is unclear whether cerebrovascular and white matter changes contribute to mild behavioral impairment (MBI). White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) represent a prominent pathology for research due to association with cognitive decline. We investigated associations between MBI measures and WMH volume and spatial distribution.

Methods

We analyzed 1273 individuals with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. General linear models and voxel‐wise analyses were employed to examine WMHs in terms of volume and spatial distribution.

Results

Greater WMH volume was associated with higher MBI total score and MBI status in participants with normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment. Voxel‐wise analysis revealed a significant cluster in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus associated with higher MBI total score.

Discussion

Our findings suggest a contribution of WMH volume and spatial distribution to persistent later‐life behavioral symptoms. WMHs, especially in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus, may serve as a neuroimaging marker of behavioral symptoms.