Evaluating the Impact of Glymphatic Clearance Dysfunction on Cognitive Function in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Motivation: The pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is unclear, which may be related to glymphatic clearance. Goal(s): To assess the association between glymphatic clearance function and the extent of cerebral damage in SVD, along with the effects on cognitive function. Approach: We derived the ALPS index from DTI data to evaluate lymphatic function, and we utilized MR imaging to determine the SVD score as a measure of cognitive function. Results: We found a significantly decrease in ALPS index in SVD patients compared to healthy controls, and a significantly negative correlation between the ALPS index in the left hemisphere and SVD severity. Impact: Glymphatic clearance dysfunction may be present in patients with SVD and may be associated with decreased cognitive function.