Objective Using the study of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cognitive function in patients with ischemic leukoaraiosis (LA), to explore the correlation between fractional anisotropy (FA) and cognitive function. Methods 39 cases of LA patients was as the LA group，20 cases of mild LA , 20 cases of moderate LA. 19 cases of healthy people were as the control group. All groups were examed DTI and cognitive performance. Results LA group VS control group : MMSE had no difference MoCA`s difference was statistically significant.With the severity of LA increased, the FA value gradually decreased. The higher the LA level, the lower the MoCA score; There was no difference between the control group and mild LA group (P>0.05), but there was significant difference between mild LA group, control group and moderate LA group (P<0.05). There was no difference between the mild and  moderate LA group (P>0.05),but there was significant difference between control group and mild ,moderate LA group (P<0.05). Conclusion MoCA is more sensitive than MMSE in the evaluation of cognitive function of leukoaraiosis. The more increased degree of LA ,the more damaged of the white matter. The greater the degree of LA, the greater the impact of cognitive decline; In LA group, performing function and attention impaired were earlyer than memory, performing function and attention were not decreased with increasing LA, memory was decreased with increasing LA.

Study of the Relationship between cognitive Function of Leukoaraiosis and diffusion tensor imaging