Regional tract-specific white matter hyperintensities are associated with patterns of aging-related brain atrophy via vascular risk factors, but also independently

Our results indicate that WMHs, in most WM tracts, might accelerate the brain aging process throughout adulthood in the general population as a result of vascular risk factors, but also independent of them. Preventive strategies against WMHs (such as controlling vascular risk factors or microglia depletion) could delay brain aging.