MRI free water mediates the association between diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space and executive function in four independent middle to aged cohorts.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index was proposed for assessing glymphatic clearance function. This study evaluated DTI-ALPS as a biomarker for cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) related vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID).

Methods

Four independent cohorts were examined. A composite score of executive function (UDS3-EF) was used to evaluate EF status. The association between the ALPS index and UDS3-EF scores and the mediator effect of free water in white matter (WM-FW) on such association was analyzed.

Results

The ALPS index was significantly associated with UDS3-EF scores in all cohorts. Additionally, WM-FW mediates the relationship between the ALPS index and UDS3-EF scores.

Discussion

Lower

SUBMITTER: Liu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11851321 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature