Brain pulsation demonstrated by CSF flow artifacts on FLAIR images might be associated with brain function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• The glymphatic system clears brain waste products, and its dysfunction is linked to cognitive impairment.
• Brain pulsation, visualized as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow artifacts on FLAIR imaging, is a key driver of glymphatic function.
• Understanding factors influencing brain pulsation is crucial for diagnosing and potentially treating cognitive decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors associated with human brain pulsation.
• To correlate brain pulsation levels with cognitive function and neuroradiological findings.

Main Methods:

• Quantified CSF flow artifact scores across eight brain regions in 1,000 adults using FLAIR imaging.
• Assessed total CSF flow scores (0-16) and analyzed associations with cognitive tests and anatomical measurements.
• Employed multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors and neuroradiological correlates of reduced brain pulsation.

Main Results:

• The mean CSF flow score was 12.8 ± 1.6.
• Lower brain pulsation (score ≤11) correlated positively with poorer performance on a 100-7 cognitive test and greater frontal polar-cranium distance.
• Reduced brain pulsation was negatively associated with female gender and linked to frontal lobe function during calculations.

Conclusions:

• Brain pulsation, visualized via CSF flow artifacts, is associated with frontal lobe function and cognitive performance.
• Reduced brain pulsation may indicate glymphatic system disturbance and contribute to cognitive impairment.
• FLAIR imaging of CSF flow artifacts offers a potential method to assess brain pulsation and its impact on brain health.