Blood-brain barrier permeability varies by brain region and APOE4 status and correlates with brain microstructure among high-AD risk groups.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although strong evidence exists for blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in Alzheimer's disease (AD), substantial uncertainty remains regarding its role. We address gaps and inconsistencies in the literature by examining regional variation in BBB permeability among cognitively normal older adults enriched for AD risk, the influence of genetic risk and its interactions with amyloid-β and sex, and the relationships between BBB breakdown and brain microstructure. Additionally, we compare two methods of quantifying BBB permeability.

Methods

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and restriction spectrum imaging were performed on 48 cognitively normal older adults. We examined differences in whole-brain regional BBB permeability between APOE4 carriers and

SUBMITTER: Solders SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12148719 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature