Excess iron in deep gray matter is associated with cognitive and functional decline: The mediating role of white matter myelin.

Jonghyun Bae, Angelique De Rouen, Zhaoyuan Gong, Nathan Zhang, Noam Y Fox, Murat Bilgel, Christopher M Bergeron, Luigi Ferrucci, Mustapha Bouhrara

Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA. Electronic address: [email protected] of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA. Electronic address: [email protected]. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Cerebral iron accumulation is a hallmark of aging and age-related neurodegenerative conditions. This study explored whether higher iron levels in deep gray matter (DGM) structures contribute to motor and cognitive decline and whether this association is mediated by demyelination in white matter (WM) tracts connecting the DGM to the cortex.

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Research summary

Higher iron levels in deep gray matter are linked to cognitive and functional decline, mediated by white matter myelin degradation. This study addresses the underlying mechanisms of cognitive decline associated with aging, which is pertinent to longevity research.

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