Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does This CT Scan Report Suggest?
Question: Hi,
In 2013 I had a CT scan (age 65 yr) showing 'moderate involution'
I underwent testing for possible dementia in 2014.
The report listed tests including WAIS -IV,RBAN,BIRT etc.
The early portion reports Social Background:
'...on-going marital issues....living separately an arrangement that was anticipated to follow Mr Durtnell's retirement. Therefore alongside loss of occupation , he also lost a valued
relationship at the same time'
"Attention and Information Processing:
.. coding from RBANS =borderine and similar tasks from BIRT and WAIS IV=low average...
... comparatively faster on a more difficult version which I am inclined to take as the more reliable index of his underlying ability."
Memory:
Verbal: "immediate verbal recall..high average...after a delay ..average range recall"
Visual: "average range"
"on balance memory function within expectations"
Summary:
Overall neuropsych assessment has not uncovered any objective areas of deficit.
Processing speed below expectation ..depressed mood may be having adverse impact.
Can you advise me please about the significance of 'moderate involution cerebral and cerebellar involution'
In 2013 I had a CT scan (age 65 yr) showing 'moderate involution'
I underwent testing for possible dementia in 2014.
The report listed tests including WAIS -IV,RBAN,BIRT etc.
The early portion reports Social Background:
'...on-going marital issues....living separately an arrangement that was anticipated to follow Mr Durtnell's retirement. Therefore alongside loss of occupation , he also lost a valued
relationship at the same time'
"Attention and Information Processing:
.. coding from RBANS =borderine and similar tasks from BIRT and WAIS IV=low average...
... comparatively faster on a more difficult version which I am inclined to take as the more reliable index of his underlying ability."
Memory:
Verbal: "immediate verbal recall..high average...after a delay ..average range recall"
Visual: "average range"
"on balance memory function within expectations"
Summary:
Overall neuropsych assessment has not uncovered any objective areas of deficit.
Processing speed below expectation ..depressed mood may be having adverse impact.
Can you advise me please about the significance of 'moderate involution cerebral and cerebellar involution'
Brief Answer:
Given the good neuropsych scores not alarming.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
That report of moderate diffuse involution indicates that your brain has a smaller volume, has moderate shrinking so to say. Now how significant that is depends on age and cognitive functioning.
I am saying age because everyone's brain undergoes some shrinking after our twenties as we all gradually lose some brain cells. It is part of aging, happens to all of us, in some it is more or less marked depending also on genetic factors or environmental factors like alcohol.
So while at the age of 20 that finding would be worrying after the sixties some involution, or atrophy as it is more commonly worded, is found in most. If advanced can indicate a higher risk of dementia but it doesn't necessarily mean your brain higher functions have deteriorated. So what evaluates that are neuropsychological tests which are objective tests of cognitive functions. In your case fortunately the results are good, there are no real cognitive deficits, only a slowing which is attributed to depression (often the case). For that reason in this case with normal neuropsychological tests that CT report doesn't have any major significance and is to be considered as part of aging, no dementia on neuropsych tests.
I hope to have been of help.
Given the good neuropsych scores not alarming.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
That report of moderate diffuse involution indicates that your brain has a smaller volume, has moderate shrinking so to say. Now how significant that is depends on age and cognitive functioning.
I am saying age because everyone's brain undergoes some shrinking after our twenties as we all gradually lose some brain cells. It is part of aging, happens to all of us, in some it is more or less marked depending also on genetic factors or environmental factors like alcohol.
So while at the age of 20 that finding would be worrying after the sixties some involution, or atrophy as it is more commonly worded, is found in most. If advanced can indicate a higher risk of dementia but it doesn't necessarily mean your brain higher functions have deteriorated. So what evaluates that are neuropsychological tests which are objective tests of cognitive functions. In your case fortunately the results are good, there are no real cognitive deficits, only a slowing which is attributed to depression (often the case). For that reason in this case with normal neuropsychological tests that CT report doesn't have any major significance and is to be considered as part of aging, no dementia on neuropsych tests.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your informative response.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Glad to have been of help.
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Glad to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
