Myelin Content and Gait Impairment in Older Adults with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

We investigated whether myelin is associated with gait parameters in older adults with cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Cross-sectional data from sixty-four participants with cSVD and mild cognitive impairment were analyzed. Myelin was assessed via MRI multi-echo gradient and spin echo T2 relaxation sequence, indexed as myelin water fraction (MWF). Gait was assessed using an electronic walkway. Hierarchical regression models adjusting for total intracranial volume, age, sex, Mini-Mental State Examination, and body mass index were conducted to determine associations between MWF and gait parameters. Significant models were further adjusted for white matter hyperintensities. Sixty-four participants were included (mean [SD], age = 75.2y [5.4], 62.5% female). In adjusted models, lower MWF in the cingulum (p = 0.015), superior longitudinal fasciculus (p = 0.034), posterior corona radiata (p = 0.039), and body of the corpus callosum (p = 0.040) was associated with higher cycle time variability. White matter hyperintensities weakened these associations. Lower myelin in specific white matter tracts may contribute to higher gait variability, increasing the overall risk of mobility impairment.