Table 3.
The associations of MRI changes and PIB-uptake with neurocognitive tests. Variables (normalized total WMH, computed Fazekas, total vascular burden measure) are analyzed in separate models
| Executive functions | Processing speed | Episodic memory | Language | |
| Unadjusted | ||||
| Norm. total WMH, slope (95% CI) | 0.02 (–0.14 to 0.18) | 0.05 (–0.13 to 0.22) | 0.14 (–0.04 to 0.33) | 0.05 (–0.11 to 0.21) |
| Computed Fazekas, slope (95% CI) | 0.08 (–0.15 to 0.30) | 0.14 (–0.10 to 0.39) | 0.22 (–0.04 to 0.49) | 0.08 (–0.15 to 0.31) |
| Total vascular burden, slope (95% CI) | –0.01 (–0.11 to 0.09) | –0.008 (–0.12 to 0.10) | –0.007 (–0.13 to 0.12) | –0.03 (–0.13 to 0.08) |
| PIB composite score, slope (95% CI) | –0.19 (–0.75 to 0.36) | –1.10 (–1.51 to –0.70)*** | –0.52 (–1.05 to 0.01) | –0.39 (–0.91 to 0.13) |
| Model 1: age, level of education and sex adjusted | ||||
| Norm. total WMH, slope (95% CI) | 0.008 (–0.14 to 0.12) | 0.06 (–0.12 to 0.24) | 0.12 (–0.05 to 0.29) | 0.03 (–0.13 to 0.19) |
| Computed Fazekas, slope (95% CI) | 0.02 (–0.16 to 0.21) | 0.17 (–0.09 to 0.42) | 0.16 (–0.07 to 0.40) | 0.04 (–0.20 to 0.23) |
| Total vascular burden, slope (95% CI) | –0.03 (–0.11 to 0.05) | –0.02 (–0.13 to 0.09) | –0.05 (–0.15 to 0.06) | –0.03 (–0.14 to 0.06) |
| PIB composite score, slope (95% CI) | –0.17 (–0.62 to 0.23) | –1.03 (–1.43 to –0.63)*** | –0.33 (–0.80 to 0.14) | –0.33 (–0.83 to 0.18) |
| Model 2: further adjusted for APOE4 | ||||
| Norm. total WMH, slope (95% CI) | –0.007 (–0.14 to 0.12) | 0.06 (–0.11 to 0.24) | 0.13 (–0.03 to 0.29) | 0.03 (–0.13 to 0.19) |
| Computed Fazekas, slope (95% CI) | 0.02 (–0.16 to 0.21) | 0.17 (–0.08 to 0.42) | 0.17 (–0.06 to 0.41) | 0.04 (–0.19 to 0.28) |
| Total vascular burden, slope (95% CI) | –0.03 (–0.11 to 0.05) | –0.03 (–0.13 to 0.08) | –0.05 (–0.15 to 0.05) | –0.03 (–0.14 to 0.07) |
| PIB composite score, slope (95% CI) | –0.07 (–0.60 to 0.45) | –1.15 (–1.64 to –0.67)*** | –0.14 (–0.71 to 0.42) | –0.16 (–0.75 to 0.43) |
The association between MRI changes or cortical PIB uptake and neuropsychological test results assessed using a univariable regression model in unadjusted model and multivariable linear models in Model 1 and 2. A logarithmic transformation is used for normalized total white matter hyperintensity volume and normalized total vascular burden. A negative slope indicates an inverse association, i.e., that a higher vascular burden or a higher amyloid burden associates with a lower cognitive test score. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.