Choline is the precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Loss of cholinergic neurons is associated with impaired cognitive function, particularly memory loss and Alzheimer disease (AD). Brain atrophy and white-matter hyperintensity (WMH) are also associated with impaired cognitive function and AD. In one study, researchers showed that intake of choline was associated with better cognitive performance and a higher dose of choline was associated with little to no WMHV.