Evaluation of age-related white matter changes using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography.

Background: Age-related white matter changes (WMC) increase risk of cognitive and functional decline. They are considered as target for preventive trials. However, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to screen for subclinical WMC is not cost-effective.

Age-related white matter changes.

Age-related white matter changes (WMC) are considered manifestation of arteriolosclerotic small vessel disease and are related to age and vascular risk factors. Most recent studies have shown that WMC are associated with a host of poor outcomes, including cognitive impairment, dementia, urinary incontinence, gait disturbances, depression, and increased risk of stroke and death. Although the clinical relevance of WMC has been extensively studied, to date, only very few clinical trials have evaluated potential symptomatic or preventive treatments for WMC.

The validity, reliability and clinical utility of the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease.

Background/aims: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD).

Methods: 40 SVD patients and 40 matched controls were recruited. Concurrent and criterion validity, inter-rater and test-retest reliability, internal consistency of the HK-MoCA were examined and clinical observations were made.