Association of Cognitive Reserve and Glymphatic Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients Using DTI-ALPS

Motivation: Cognitive reserve (CR) could moderate the cognitive decline. But the association between the glymphatic function and CR in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains unclear. Goal(s): To evaluate the association between CR and glymphatic function. Approach: By using diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) to acquire an index (ALPS-index) in MCI and normal controls (NCs). The education level was used as a representation of CR. We used mediator analysis to explore the association among ALPS-index, CR and cognitive function. Results: MCI exhibited decreased glymphatic activity than NCs and CR mediates the link between the glymphatic system and cognition. Impact: MCI patients exhibited decreased glymphatic activity compared to NCs. Our study confirms the protective effect of CR in MCI patients, and this protective effect can against the cognitive impairment by improving CR.