Association between arterial stiffness and white matter integrity in older adults

This study aimed to use advanced MRI techniques to investigate the effect of arterial stiffness on the white matter (WM) microstructure among older adults. Arterial stiffness was examined using the cardio-ankle vascular elasticity index (CAVI). The high-CAVI group (mean CAVI ≥ 9 points) and the low-CAVI group (mean CAVI < 9 points) were used. The neuronal fiber integrity of the WM was assessed by neurite orientation dispersion, density imaging, and magnetization transfer-saturation imaging. Our results suggest that arterial stiffness may be related to demyelination rather than axonal degeneration.