Objective: To determine the impact of white matter hyperintensities(WMHs) on p hysical health and cognitive function in 60-64 year old individuals residing in the community. Methods:A subsample of 478 persons aged 60-64 from a larger com munity sample underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scans. WMHs on T2 weighted FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery) MRI scans were assessed usi ng anautomated procedure. Subjects were assessed for global cognitive function, episodic memory, working memory (digit span),information processing speed (Symbo l Digit Modalities Test;SDMT), fine motor dexterity (Purdue Pegboard), and grip strength, and completed the Physical Component Summary of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Regression analyses were used to examine the effect of WMHs on physical and cognitive function. Results: Deep and periventricular WMHs were pre sent in all subjects, with women having slightly more lesions than men. WMHs wer e significantly associated with poorer reported physical health on the SF-12 sc ale, after adjusting for depression, cognitive function, and brain atrophy. WMHs were also related to lower scores on the Purdue Pegboard test, grip strength, c hoice reaction time, and SDMT, but not on tests of episodic memory, working memo ry, general intellectual function,and global cognitive function. On regression a nalyses, the Purdue Pegboard test and grip strength were related to physicaldisa bility. Conclusion: WMHs are common, albeit mild, in middle adult life. They are associated with physical disability,possibly through reduced speed, fine motor coordination, and muscular strength. They are also related to slowed information processing speed but not other cognitive functions. Objective: To determine the impact of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on p hysical health and cognitive function in 60-64 year old individuals residing in the community. Methods: A subsample of 478 persons aged 60-64 from a larger com munity sample underwent Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. WMHs on T2 weighted FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery) MRI scans were usuuccess usi ng anautomated procedure. Subjects were assessed for global cognitive function, episodic memory, working memory (digit span), information processing speed (Symbo l Digit Modalities Test; SDMT), fine motor dexterity (Purdue Pegboard), and grip strength, and completed the Physical Component Summary of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Regression analyzes were used to examine the effect of WMHs on physical and cognitive function. Results: Deep and periventricular WMHs were pre sent in all subjects, with women having slightly more lesions than men. WMHs wer e significant associated with poorer reported physical health on the SF-12 sc ale, after adjusting for depression, cognitive function, and brain atrophy. WMHs were also related to lower scores on the Purdue Pegboard test, grip strength, c hoice reaction time, and SDMT, but not on tests of episodic memory, working memo ry, general intellectual function, and global cognitive function. On regression a nalyses, the Purdue Pegboard test and grip strength were related to physical disa bility. Conclusion: WMHs are common, albeit mild, in middle adult life. They are associated with physical disability, possibly through reduced speed, fine motor coordination, and muscular strength. They are associated with physical disability, possibly through reduced speed, fine motor coordination, and muscular strength.