[Cognitive impairment and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Project CASCADE Kraków. VI. Magnetic resonance imaging of the aging brain in elderly persons (65-78 years old)].

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive non-invasive method for the detection of brain lesions. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of brain abnormalities (white matter lesions, atrophy, and infarction) on MRI in an elderly population. Sample of 174 men and women, aged from 65 to 78 years, was examined. MRI scans were made using a mobile MRI 1.0 Tesla machine (Siemens). Imaging was performed with standard spin-echo sequences (slice thickness 5-6 mm thick and 20% gap): proton density, T1 and T2 images. All MRI scans were read using standardized methodology of assessment of deep white matter lesions, periventricular lesions, cortical atrophy and infarction. Medium subcortical white matter lesions (4-10 mm) were present in 55% participants. Large subcortical white matter lesions (> or = 10 mm) were observed in 27% people, 24% had periventricular white matter lesions (score > or = 3), 83% had cortical atrophy (score > or = 4) and 18% had at least 1 infarct. Frequency of cortical atrophy increased gradually by age group (p < 0.01). The cortical atrophy, deep and periventricular white matter lesions were more frequent only in the oldest group (75-78 years).