Association of MRI-derived Glymphatic Function with Cognition and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Motivation: Both cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and disfunction of glymphatic system contribute to cognition decline, yet the interactions between them remains unclear. Goal(s): Identify associations of glymphatic function with cognitive function and CSVD. Approach: 111 CSVD subjects were involved and underwent 7T MRI scans. CSVD makers, neuropsychological test and clinical characteristics were collected. Linear regression and mediation model were used to access the associations. Results: Age and CSVD markers were associated with glymphatic function in the multivariable model. The relationship between glymphatic function and cognition was mediated by CSVD burden. Impact: MRI-derived glymphatic features might be utilized to predict early CSVD-induced cognitive decline.