Corpus callosum tissue loss and development of motor and global cognitive impairment: the LADIS study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of corpus callosum (CC) tissue loss on the development of global cognitive and motor impairment in the elderly. METHODS: This study was based on the Leukoaraiosis and Disability (LADIS) study. Assessment of cognitive and motor functions and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were done at baseline and at a 3-year follow-up in nondemented elderly subjects. RESULTS: 328 of 639 LADIS subjects had MRIs at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up, which allowed for assessment of CC. Logistic regression revealed differential tissue loss rates in posterior CC in subjects converting to dementia, compared to nonconverters (p < 0.05). Anterior and posterior CC tissue loss was significantly correlated with self-perceived memory impairment in nonconverters (p < 0.05). CC tissue loss was also significantly associated with impaired single leg stance time (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present longitudinal study on CC supports the role of callosal tissue loss in the development of global cognitive as well as motor impairment.