Impacts of Cerebral Iron Accumulation on Cognitive Changes and Motor Dysfunction in Aging: A Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) Study

Motivation: Iron accumulation is a prominent physiology of brain aging and various neurodegenerative disease. However, its implication in cognitive decline and motor dysfunction, main hallmarks of aging and age-related diseases, has received little attention. Goal(s): To understand whether age-related iron accumulation in the brain is associated with changes in cognition and motor function. Approach: We utilized quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) as a proxy for iron accumulation. QSM values were correlated with age and changes in cross-sectional and longitudinal cognitive performance and gait speed. Results: Higher iron levels are associated with more rapid decline in multiple cognitive domains and impaired gait speed. Impact: This study identifies iron accumulation as a key contributor to cognitive decline and motor dysfunction, calling for further investigations to inform the development of novel therapies and prevention strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging.