Brain's white matter may help soften cognitive impacts of gray matter loss: Study
The study is among the first to examine the brain's superficial white matter in a community-based population from a low- and middle-income country
A recent study has found that the health of the brain's white matter wiring could help mitigate the cognitive impacts caused by a loss of gray matter in older adults, particularly in India. Gray matter processes information, while superficial white matter facilitates communication between nearby brain regions. The study, published in Alzheimer's and Dementia, analyzed brain scans and cognitive assessments from 459 community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older across India.
The researchers used advanced diffusion MRI to examine neurite density and water content in the brain, as these can indicate tissue disruptions such as loss of myelin, inflammation, or swelling. Participants also completed tests evaluating language, memory, executive function, and visuospatial ability. The healthier the superficial white matter, the better the language skills.
The findings suggest that preserving the health of these connections can help maintain cognitive function, even in individuals with similar levels of gray matter loss.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
