Brain arteriolosclerosis is linked to lower in-vivo cortical volume in community-based older adults.

Motivation: Arteriolosclerosis is a prevalent small vessel disease in older adults, yet its relationship with specific cortical and subcortical brain volumes remains underexplored in vivo. Goal(s): To examine the association of brain arteriolosclerosis with subcortical and cortical volumes. Approach: Volumetric analysis of subcortical and cortical regions using in-vivo MRI was integrated with detailed neuropathological assessments in a large number of community-based older adults who underwent autopsy. Results: More severe brain arteriolosclerosis was associated with lower volume in the middle temporal gyrus, independent of the effects of other neuropathologies and demographics. Impact: The finding that brain arteriolosclerosis is linked to a lower volume of the middle temporal gyrus deepens our comprehension of the brain abnormalities associated with this prevalent small vessel disease.