Global White Matter Diffusion Characteristics Predict Longitudinal Cognitive Change Independently from Amyloid Accumulation in Older Adults

We examined whether diffusion characteristics of global versus tract-specific white matter predict longitudinal cognitive decline in healthy older adults. Diffusion imaging was performed at baseline. Cognition was examined longitudinally (up to 6 years). Linear mixed models found that global, rather than tract-specific, white matter predicted longitudinal changes in cognition.