Gray and white matter jointly shape cognitive aging, new evidence shows
Researchers from the Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (Stevens INI) at the Keck School of Medicine of USC have found that two distinct types of brain tissue work together to support cognition in older adults and that the health of the brain's short-range wiring may help soften the cognitive effects of gray matter loss.
A recent study has revealed that both gray and white matter in the brain contribute to cognitive health in older adults. Researchers from the Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute at the Keck School of Medicine of USC analyzed brain scans and cognitive assessments from 459 adults aged 60 and older in India.
The study found that while gray matter atrophy is the strongest predictor of cognitive decline, healthier superficial white matter, which connects nearby brain regions, is particularly important for maintaining language skills. The condition of white matter, which acts like local roads carrying signals between brain regions, appears to modify the relationship between gray matter loss and cognitive impairment.
When white matter integrity is poorer, gray matter loss is more strongly tied to language difficulties and cognitive problems. However, when white matter is healthier, the impact of gray matter loss on cognitive performance is weakened. The findings suggest that preserving white matter integrity may help maintain cognitive function, even in the face of gray matter loss.
This research, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, highlights the importance of considering both gray and white matter in studies of brain aging, especially in diverse populations.
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