Korean J Psychosom Med.  2018 Dec;26(2):119-126. 10.22722/KJPM.2018.26.2.119.

Association between Cognitive Function, Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and White Matter Hyperintensities in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

• Kwon JW
• Kim H
• Lee KJ

• KMID: 2437563
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22722/KJPM.2018.26.2.119

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to investigate correlation between degree of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and neurocognitive function along with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in Korean patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
METHODS
Participants were 115 elderly subjects diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment in this retrospective study. WMH in brain MRI were rated with standardized visual rating scales (Fazekas scales) and the subjects were divided into two groups according to Fazekas scale. Cognitive function was evaluated with Korean version of the consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-K), and BPSD was evaluated with Korean neuropsychiatric inventory (K-NPI). Independent t-test was performed to analyze the relationship between the degree of WMH and neurocognitive functions & BPSD.
RESULTS
Especially, the group with high severity of WMH showed significantly lower language fluency (p < 0.05). In addition, the group with high severity of WMH showed significantly higher score in K-NPI.
CONCLUSIONS
There was a significant association between WMH and neurocognitive test related with executive function. Moreover, WMH seems to affect BPSD severity. Evaluation of WMH would provide useful information in clinical settings.

Keyword

Alzheimer's disease; Mild cognitive impairment; White matter hyperintensity; Behavioral Psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)

MeSH Terms

Aged
Alzheimer Disease*
Brain
Cognition*
Dementia*
Executive Function
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Mild Cognitive Impairment*
Retrospective Studies
Weights and Measures
White Matter*