A corpus callosum visual ratings system is associated with cognition and visual ratings of white matter and medial temporal atrophy in dementia.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the utility of a simple rating of the corpus callosum in dementia patients.

METHODS

Multiple visual rating scales were applied to MRI data in a sample of 393 people with dementia, including Scheltens Rating scales and a visual rating system of the corpus callosum using a four-point scale. Participants also underwent standard neuropsychological assessment. Correlations were calculated to describe the association between these variables. Analysis of variance was applied to compare corpus callosum ratings against other visual rating methods and cognition.

RESULTS

Corpus callosum ratings were associated with the Scheltens Rating scores, with small but significant correlations. Additionally, stratified groups based on corpus callosum ratings significantly differed on several measures of Scheltens Ratings, with greater corpus callosum atrophy related to greater white matter burden and temporal lobe atrophy. The corpus callosum ratings were predictive of mental status, language, and processing speed.

CONCLUSION

The current findings support the clinical utility of a visual rating of the corpus callosum in prediction of brain atrophy, white matter burden, and cognition among those with dementia. The ease with which this rating system can be applied suggests it has important clinical practicality.