Changes in diffusion tensor image analysis along the pervascular space index during aging
Objective To calculate the diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space(DTI-ALPS)index,evaluate the function of the glymphatic system,observe the changes in the DTI-ALPS index during the aging process,and find the relationship between the DTI-ALPS index and correlates of certain executive functions that reflect mental flexibility,based on DTI-ALPS.Methods The FSL toolbox was used to extract the DTI-ALPS index of the dominant hemisphere of the brain of adult subjects in the NKI Rockland Sample data set,and the correlations between the DTI-ALPS index and age and design fluency practical accuracy were analyzed,respectively.Differences in DTI-ALPS index among different age groups and the mediating effect of DTI-ALPS index between age and design fluency practical accuracy were analyzed.Results The DTI-ALPS index was negatively correlated with age(r=-0.288,P<0.001),but there was a local peak of recovery in the 60-69 age group(P<0.01).The DTI-ALPS index was positively correlated with the design fluency practical accuracy(r=0.258,P=0.001).The mediating effect of DTI-ALPS index between age and design fluency practical accuracy was statistically significant(P<0.05),and the mediating effect accounted for 22.1%of the total effect.Conclusion The DTI-ALPS index showed an overall downward trend during the aging process,but there is a local peak of recovery in the 60-69 age group.At the same time,the DTI-ALPS index might be related to certain executive functions that could reflect thinking flexibility.
AgingGlymphatic systemDiffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular spaceHuman