Associations of Pulmonary Function with MRI Brain Volumes: A Coordinated Multi-Study Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pulmonology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Previous research indicates a potential link between diminished pulmonary function and adverse brain structural changes in the elderly.
• However, existing studies present inconsistent findings regarding the association between lung function and cerebral white matter hyperintensities or brain atrophy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cross-sectional relationships between pulmonary function measures and structural brain variables.
• To clarify the association between spirometric indices and brain volume, gray matter volume, hippocampal volume, and white matter hyperintensities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from six large community-based cohorts (N=11,091).
• Standardization of spirometric measurements (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC) using Global Lung Function Initiative reference equations.
• Multivariable linear regressions and random-effect meta-analyses to assess associations between pulmonary function and brain structural variables.

Main Results:

• Both FEV1 and FVC showed positive associations with brain volume, gray matter volume, and hippocampal volume.
• Worse pulmonary function (lower FEV1 and FVC) was negatively associated with white matter hyperintensities volume.
• Associations were generally stronger for FEV1 and FVC compared to the FEV1/FVC ratio, particularly concerning brain volume and white matter hyperintensities.

Conclusions:

• Worse pulmonary function is associated with reduced brain volumes and a greater burden of white matter hyperintensities in cross-sectional analyses.
• These findings highlight the connection between respiratory health and brain structure in aging populations.