Voxelwise structural equation modeling: Which model explains cognitive change in the ageing brain?

Abstract In this diffusion tension imaging study, voxel wise structural equation modeling was used to unravel the relation between white matter, cognition, and age. In total four models were tested but only two models survived the testing procedure. The independent factor model predicts that there is no relation between white matter and cognition although both systems are affected by age. The cognitive mediation model predicts that the relation between age and white matter is mediated through cognition. Roughly 60 percent of the observed voxels were in agreement with the independent factor model while 16 percent of the observed voxels were in agreement with the cognitive mediation model.