Glymphatic Pathway Dysfunction in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging Along the Perivascular Space.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate glymphatic dysfunction in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using the diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index.

Methods

Using PRISMA 2020, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase (until May 10, 2025) for studies comparing the ALPS index in MCI patients versus healthy controls.

Results

The pooled meta-analysis of 18 studies (1133 MCI patients, mean age 69.3 years; 1275 HCs) revealed a significantly lower ALPS index in MCI patients than in HCs (Cohen's d = -0.70; 95% CI: -1.10, -0.29; p < 0.001), with high heterogeneity (I² = 95.3%). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the effect and a cumulative meta-analysis showed a consistent negative trend from 2021 to 2025. Subgroup analyses s

SUBMITTER: Ghaderi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12715781 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature