Background: Basal ganglia perivascular spaces are associated with cognitive decline and cardiovascular risk factors. There is a lack of studies on the cardiovascular risk burden of basal ganglia perivascular spaces (BG-PVS) and their relationship with gray matter volume (GMV) and GM cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the aging brain. Here, we investigated these two issues in a large sample of cognitively intact older adults.Methods: A total of 734 volunteers were recruited. MRI was performed with 3.0 T using a pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) sequence and a sagittal isotropic T1-weighted sequence for CBF and GMV analysis. The images obtained from 406 participants were analyzed to investigate the relationship between the severity of BG-PVS and GMV/CBF. False discovery rate-corrected P-values (PFDR) of <0.05 were considered significant. The images obtained from 254 participants were used to study the relationship between the severity of BG-PVS and cardiovascular risk burden. BG-PVS were rated using a 5-grade score. The severity of BG-PVS was classified as mild (grade <3) and severe (grade ≥3). Cardiovascular risk burden was assessed with the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS).Results: Severe basal ganglia perivascular spaces were associated with significantly smaller GMV and CBF in multiple cortical regions (PFDR <0.05), and were associated with significantly larger volume in the bilateral caudate nucleus, pallidum, and putamen (PFDR <0.05). The participants with severe BG-PVS were more likely to have a higher cardiovascular risk burden than the participants with mild BG-PVS (60.71% vs. 42.93%; P =0.02).Conclusion: In cognitively intact older adults, severe BG-PVS are associated with smaller cortical GMV and CBF, larger subcortical GMV, and higher cardiovascular risk burden.
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Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
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