Glymphatic function plays a protective role in ageing-related cognitive decline

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Radiology

Background:

• The glymphatic pathway, a cerebral drainage system, impacts cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Limited evidence exists on its role in normal aging-related cognitive decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of glymphatic function on cognitive decline in an aging population.
• To explore the association between glymphatic function and cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of the CIRCLE study cohort (n=633).
• Evaluation of glymphatic function using diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index.
• Regression models to assess the impact of DTI-ALPS on cognitive function (MMSE) cross-sectionally and longitudinally, including mediation analysis.

Main Results:

• The DTI-ALPS index positively correlated with cognitive function and independently protected against cognitive decline.
• Glymphatic function (DTI-ALPS) declined with age, particularly after 65.
• DTI-ALPS mediated the relationship between age and cognitive scores, with a stronger effect in older adults.

Conclusions:

• Glymphatic function plays a protective role in normal aging-related cognitive decline.
• It may represent a potential therapeutic target for preventing cognitive decline.