An Investigation of Cerebral Vascular Functional Properties in Middle‐to‐Old Age Community People With High Vascular Risk Profiles

Abstract

BackgroundVascular degeneration is an important cause of brain damage in aging. Assessing the functional properties of the cerebral vascular system may aid early diagnosis and prevention.PurposeTo investigate the relationships between potential vascular functional markers and vascular risks, brain parenchymal damage, and cognition.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsTwo hundred two general community subjects (42–80 years, males/females: 127/75).Field Strength/Sequence3 T, spin echo T1W/T2W/FLAIR, resting‐state functional MRI with an echo‐planar sequence (rsfMRI), pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) with a three‐dimensional gradient‐spin echo sequence.AssessmentCerebral blood flow (CBF) in gray matter calculated using pCASL, blood transit times calculated using rsfMRI, and the SD of internal carotid arteries signal (ICAstd) calculated using rsfMRI; visual assessment for lacunes; quantification of white matter hyperintensity volume; permutation test for quality control; collection of demographic and clinical data, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini‐Mental State Examination.Statistical TestsKolmogorov–Smirnov test; Spearman rank correlation analysis; Multivariable linear regression analysis controlling for covariates; The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsAge was negatively associated with ICAstd (β = −0.180). Diabetes was associated with longer blood transit time from large arteries to capillary bed (β = 0.185, adjusted for age, sex, and intracranial volume). Larger ICAstd was associated with less presence of lacunes (odds ratio: 0.418, adjusted for age and sex). Higher gray matter CBF (β = 0.154) and larger ICAstd (β = 0.136) were associated with better MoCA scores (adjusted for age, sex, and education).Data ConclusionProlonged blood transit time, decreased ICAstd, and diminished CBF were associated with vascular dysfunction and cognitive impairment. They may serve as vascular functional markers in future studies.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 3