White matter integrity, as measured by diffusion tensor imaging, distinguishes between impaired and unimpaired older adult decision-makers: A preliminary investigation

J. C Timpe; K. C Rowe; J Matsui; V. A Magnotta; N. L Denburg

doi:10.1080/20445911.2011.578065

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White matter integrity, as measured by diffusion tensor imaging, distinguishes between impaired and unimpaired older adult decision-makers: A preliminary investigation

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White matter integrity, as measured by diffusion tensor imaging, distinguishes between impaired and unimpaired older adult decision-makers: A preliminary investigation

J. C Timpe, K. C Rowe, J Matsui, V. A Magnotta and N. L Denburg

Journal of cognitive psychology (Hove, England), Vol.23(6), pp.760-767

09/01/2011

DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2011.578065

PMCID: PMC4070596

PMID: 24976948

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Abstract

In the context of normal ageing, some individuals experience cognitive changes that affect their decision-making abilities. We investigated whether such cognitive changes could be related to the integrity of cortical white matter, as measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Participants were administered a well-validated laboratory decision-making task, and were subsequently grouped as either poor decision-makers (older-impaired, n=9) or strong decision-makers (older-unimpaired, n=7). Participants also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that collected high-resolution structural images, including DTI of the brain. The key variable of interest to be contrasted between the groups was fractional anisotropy (FA), as calculated from the tensor images. We hypothesised that FA values would be lower (indicating poorer integrity of tracts) in the older-impaired participants. The results supported our hypothesis, indicating significant differences in FA values between the participant groups for the entire brain as well as several subregions. The results suggest that poorer decision-making abilities are associated with the integrity of cortical white matter across multiple regions of the brain, and support the call for additional research in this area.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Decision making

Elderly

Diffusion tensor imaging

Details

Title: Subtitle: White matter integrity, as measured by diffusion tensor imaging, distinguishes between impaired and unimpaired older adult decision-makers: A preliminary investigation
Creators: J. C Timpe - Department of Neurology, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Cognitive Neuroscience , University of Iowa College of Medicine
K. C Rowe - Department of Psychiatry , University of Iowa College of Medicine
J Matsui - Department of Psychiatry , University of Iowa College of Medicine
V. A Magnotta - Department of Radiology , University of Iowa College of Medicine
N. L Denburg - Department of Neurology, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Cognitive Neuroscience , University of Iowa College of Medicine
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of cognitive psychology (Hove, England), Vol.23(6), pp.760-767
DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2011.578065
PMID: 24976948
PMCID: PMC4070596
NLM abbreviation: J Cogn Psychol (Hove)
ISSN: 2044-5911
eISSN: 2044-592X
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Language: English
Date published: 09/01/2011
Academic Unit: Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Neurology; Radiology; Psychiatry; Psychological and Brain Sciences; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
Record Identifier: 9984066388902771

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