Brain arteriolosclerosis in community-based older adults is associated with lower gray matter volume

Motivation: Despite brain arteriolosclerosis being one of the most prevalent small vessel diseases in older adults, its association with regional brain volumes has not been investigated. Goal(s): To investigate the association of brain arteriolosclerosis with regional gray matter volumes. Approach: Regional brain volumetry on ex-vivo MRI and detailed neuropathological examination were combined in a large number of community-based older adults that came to autopsy. Results: More severe brain arteriolosclerosis was associated with lower volume in a number of gray matter regions, including medial orbitofrontal, superior frontal, pericalcarine, cuneus, and lateral occipital areas, independently of the effects of other neuropathologies. Impact: The finding that brain arteriolosclerosis is associated with lower regional gray matter volumes independently of the effects of other neuropathologies enhances our understanding of the brain anomalies associated with this common small vessel disease pathology.