Baseline grey matter volumes and white matter hyperintensities predict decline in functional activities in older adults over a 5-year follow-up period

Introduction: Functional independence is an essential predictor of quality of life in aging, yet few accessible predictors of functional decline have been identified. This study examined associations between baseline structural neuroimaging markers and longitudinal functional status. Methods: Linear mixed effects models with follow-up time interaction terms related baseline grey matter volume and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) to functional trajectory, adjusting for demographic and medical covariates. Subsequent models assessed interactions with cognitive status and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status. Results: Smaller baseline grey matter volumes, particularly in regions commonly affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and greater baseline WMHs were associated with faster functional decline over a mean 5-year follow-up. Effects were stronger in APOE-ε4 carriers on grey matter variables. Cognitive status interacted with most MRI variables. Discussion: Greater atrophy in AD-related regions and higher WMH burden at study entry were associated with faster functional decline, particularly among participants at increased risk of AD.