The Relationship Of White Matter Lesions (WML) And Cognitive Impairment

Objective:To investigate the relationship of white matter lesions(WML) and cognitive impairment in mild cognitive impairment(MCI),Alzheimer's disease(AD) and vascular dementia(Va D)on brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Objects and Methods : From July 2013 to February 2015, a total of 38patients(dementia with AD, n= 29; Va D, n= 6; MCI,n=3) were enrolled from the memory disorders clinic of the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiaotong University. Demographical data( age, sex, education level and medical history)were recorded.The cognitive function of the patients was assessed with the mini mental state examination(MMSE) scale and Montreal cognitive assessment scale(Mo CA).All the patients were performed brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI, T1WI;T2WI;FLAIR). The correlation between MMSE scores and WML volumes was analyzed by SSPS19.0.Results:1.The years of education and the disease duration were statistically significant in MCI, AD,and Va D groups(P<0.05).2. The prevalence of diabetes was statistically significant in AD group(P<0.05).3. The scores of time orientation, spatial orientation, attention, calculation,three-step commands and reading ability were statistically significant between AD and Va D groups(P<0.05).4. The scores of time orientation, spatial orientation, memory and reading ability were statistically significant in AD group(P<0.05).5. WML volumes and MMSE scores had weak relationship in AD group.Conclusion:The levels of education associate with cognitive impairment. The prevalence of diabetes associate with WML.AD patients are more impaired in time orientation, spatial orientation, attention, calculation, three-step commands and reading ability than Va D patients. With the degree of cognitive impairment increase, AD patients damage more in time orientation, spatial orientation, memory,and reading. WML and cognitive impairment have weak relationship in AD patients.