White Matter Hyperintensities Predict Functional Decline in Voiding, Mobility, and Cognition in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES: To compare magnetic resonance imaging data with functional assessments of mobility, urinary control, and cognition to determine common or distinctive features in the distribution of brain white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) associated with functional decline and impairment. DESIGN: Baseline data from subjects aged 75 to 89 en-rolled in a longitudinal study. Assessors and subjects were blinded to group assignment. SETTING: Healthy community-dwelling volunteers. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-nine subjects were enrolled using a balanced 3 3 matrix stratified according to age and mobility performance. Exclusion criteria were medication, systemic conditions, and neurological diseases that can compromise mobility. MEASUREMENTS: WMHs were identified using a semi