Publications [#274854] of David J. Madden

Papers Published

1. Madden, DJ; Bennett, IJ; Song, AW (2009). Cerebral white matter integrity and cognitive aging: contributions from diffusion tensor imaging.. Neuropsychol Rev, 19(4), 415-435. [19705281], [doi]
   (last updated on 2025/06/16)

   Abstract:
   The integrity of cerebral white matter is critical for efficient cognitive functioning, but little is known regarding the role of white matter integrity in age-related differences in cognition. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures the directional displacement of molecular water and as a result can characterize the properties of white matter that combine to restrict diffusivity in a spatially coherent manner. This review considers DTI studies of aging and their implications for understanding adult age differences in cognitive performance. Decline in white matter integrity contributes to a disconnection among distributed neural systems, with a consistent effect on perceptual speed and executive functioning. The relation between white matter integrity and cognition varies across brain regions, with some evidence suggesting that age-related effects exhibit an anterior-posterior gradient. With continued improvements in spatial resolution and integration with functional brain imaging, DTI holds considerable promise, both for theories of cognitive aging and for translational application.