Evaluation of brain glymphatic system function in patients with primary Parkinson's disease with anxiety based on DTI-ALPS technique

Motivation: Glymphatic system dysfunction is increasingly linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Assessing glymphatic activity in Parkinson disease (PD), particularly with comorbid anxiety, may provide insights into disease mechanisms and progression. Goal(s): To quantify glymphatic function using the DTI-ALPS index in PD patients with and without anxiety, compared to healthy controls. Approach: This study measured ALPS indices in 29 PD patients and 10 healthy controls using 3.0 T MRI with DTI, comparing results between PD with anxiety (PD+A) and PD alone. Results: ALPS index was lower in PD groups, indicating glymphatic impairment, with no significant difference between PD and PD+A. Impact: The DTI-ALPS technique shows promise as an imaging biomarker for early diagnosis and monitoring of glymphatic dysfunction in PD, potentially aiding in personalized assessment and management.