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Network Efficiency Mediates the Relationship Between Vascular Burden and Cognitive Impairment: A Diffusion Tensor
Jun Shen1,2, Daniel J Tozer1, Hugh S Markus1
1From the Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (J.S., D.J.T., H.S.M., J.T.).
Stroke
|May 12, 2020
Summary
Vascular risk factors reduce brain network efficiency, leading to cognitive decline. Treating these factors may preserve cognitive function in aging individuals by maintaining brain network integrity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Public Health
Background:
- Cerebrovascular disease is a key contributor to age-related cognitive decline.
- Mechanisms linking vascular risk factors to cognitive impairment are not fully understood.
- Brain white matter network efficiency may be a crucial mediator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vascular risk factors, brain white matter network efficiency, and cognitive function.
- To determine if network efficiency mediates the impact of vascular burden on cognition.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for preserving cognitive function in aging populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diffusion MRI and cognitive testing on 19,346 UK Biobank participants (mean age 62.6).
- Calculated global efficiency from white matter networks derived via diffusion tractography.
- Employed multivariate linear regression and structural equation modeling, including mediation analysis.
Main Results:
- Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were linked to reduced global efficiency, independent of white matter hyperintensities.
- Vascular burden was associated with cognition, but this association diminished when global efficiency was included in the model.
- Global efficiency partially mediated the relationship between vascular burden and cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- Vascular burden is associated with decreased global network efficiency and cognitive impairment in the general population.
- Brain network efficiency plays a partial mediating role in the link between vascular burden and cognitive decline.
- Interventions targeting vascular risk factors may help maintain brain network efficiency and cognitive health during aging.