Impact of Waist Circumference in Older Adults on Cerebral Oxygen Extraction Fraction

Motivation: Alterations in cerebral oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) with age and obesity propose potential biomarkers for neurodegeneration. Goal(s): We assess the influence of waist circumference (WC) on OEF across different age groups, evaluating the role of obesity in cerebral metabolism. Approach: OEF was measured using TRUST-MRI, and cognition was evaluated in two groups (≥60 and <60 years) of 158 participants from the Dallas Heart and Minds study. Results: In older adults, OEF decreased with increasing WC, indicating neurometabolic changes. In middle-age adults, OEF increased with WC, suggesting that obesity may accelerate age-related changes. OEF increased with age, and MoCA total scores decreased with age. Impact: We report that oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) is increased in middle-age adults with obesity (<60 years), suggesting accelerated aging. Notably in adults older than 60 years, OEF decreased, indicating potential decrease in neuronal function.