Cognitive correlates of brain MRI subcortical signal hyperintensities in non-demented elderly

Objective To investigate the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) subcortical gray and capsular (SGCH) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cognitive functions in non‐demented community dwelling elderly. Methods The severity of SGCH and WMH on proton density and T2 MR images in 16 subjects was scored using the semi‐quantitative rating scale of Scheltens et al. (1993). A limited series of cognitive tests selected a priori were then correlated with severity of SGCH and WMH. Results Analysis demonstrated that severity of SGCH was inversely related to performance on the Digit Span (R = −0.64, p