White matter hyperintensities and gray matter volume predict
neuropsychological performance in Alzheimer's disease and other cortical
 
   Lead Investigator:    Jory Paredes
   Institution      :    Pacific University Oregon
   E-Mail           :    pare4713@pacificu.edu
   Proposal ID      :    1382



   Proposal Description:
   1) Research on white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and neuropsychological performance often varies. However, majority of researchers have found deficits on measures of processing speed and executive functioning in individuals with WMHs. Moreover, neuropsychological performance on measures of learning and memory are often mixed, raising questions regarding the clinical significance of WMHs and cognition. Some studies have found that gray matter volume is often indicative of neuropsychological performance on measures of learning and memory, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. Again, findings are often conflicted. The proposed research will analyze both gray matter volumes and hyperintensities in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other cortical syndromes. We hypothesize greater severity/burden of WMHs will be associated with smaller gray matter volumes and thus, impact neuropsychological performance.                                                                       2) The results of these findings will allow researchers to better predict neuropsychological performance in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other cortical syndromes by also taking gray matter volumes into account. By assessing gray matter volumes in addition to WMHs, this may better address a critical barrier within clinical practice as to why neuropsychological performance often varies when assessing WMHs only.