White matter microstructure associations to amyloid burden in adults with Down syndrome

Abstract

Highlights White matter microstructural changes were associated with global amyloid-β in a cohort of individuals with Down syndrome. Reductions of FA and increased MD in the association white matter were correlated with increased amyloid-β burden. Significant amyloid-by-age interactions with FA and MD were observed throughout the major association tracts. Amyloid-by-age interactions suggest a non-linear progression of white matter neurodegeneration in individuals with DS.

Voxel‐based dysconnectomic brain morphometry with computed tomography in Down syndrome

“…The greater regional WM abnormality observed in both parietal and occipitotemporal regions, with right‐lateralization in the superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi is consistent with previous diffusion tensor imaging‐based reports in adults with DS with and without AD 50 . WM measures derived from diffusion‐weighted MRI are related to amyloid levels in nondemented individuals with DS 51 . In DS individuals with MCI and dementia, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were reduced relative to nondemented individuals, with effects primarily localized to frontal and cingulate tracts 34 .…”

“… 50 WM measures derived from diffusion‐weighted MRI are related to amyloid levels in nondemented individuals with DS. 51 In DS individuals with MCI and dementia, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were reduced relative to nondemented individuals, with effects primarily localized to frontal and cingulate tracts. 34 This contrasts with the more posterior WM effects we observed with increasing dementia level in our cohort.…”