The Robustness of White Matter Brain Networks Decreases with Aging

Abstract

Background: White matter (WM) is a principal component of the human brain, forming the structural basis for neural transmission between cortico-cortical and subcortical structures. The impairment of WM integrity is closely associated with the aging process, manifesting as the reorganization of brain networks based on graph theoretical analysis of complex networks and increased volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in imaging studies. Methods: This study investigated changes in the robustness of WM brain networks during aging and assessed their correlation with WMHs. We constructed WM brain networks for 159 volunteers from a community sample dataset using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We then calculated the robustness of these networks by simulating neurodegeneration based on network attack analysis, and studied the correlations between WM network robustness, age, and the proportion of WMHs. Results: The analysis revealed a moderate, negative correlation between WM network robustness and age, and a weak and negative correlation between WM network robustness and the proportion of WMHs. Conclusions: These findings suggest that WM pathologies are associated with aging and offer new insights into the imaging characteristics of the aging brain.

Keywords

• white matter
• aging
• brain networks
• robustness
• white matter hyperintensities