Correlation Between Hippocampal Enlarged Perivascular Spaces and Cognition in Non-dementic Elderly Population

Abstract

Background and aims: The pathophysiology of hippocampal enlarged perivascular spaces (H-EPVS) and its relationship to cognitive impairment is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between H-EPVS and cognition in non-dementic elderly population. Methods: A total of 109 subjects were prospectively enrolled. The eligibilities for inclusion were age from 55 to 85 years and Mini-Mental Status Examination score of ≥26. The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, transcranial Doppler (TCD), and brain magnetic resonance imaging results were evaluated. H-EPVS was categorized in a three-degree scale: degree 0 (no), degree 1 (1,2), and degree 2 (>2). The associations between H-EPVS and TCD parameters/cognitive test profiles were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 65.2 years, and 52.3% subjects were men. H-EPVS was found to be associated with age (degree 2 vs. degree 1 vs. degree 0, 69.20 ± 6.93 vs. 65.70 ± 5.75 vs. 63.80 ± 5.43; p = 0.030) and ADAS-Cog memory score (degree 2 vs. degree 1 vs. degree 0, 14.88 ± 4.27 vs. 12.49 ± 4.56 vs. 11.4 ± 4.23; p = 0.037). However, the pulsatility index was not related to the degree of H-EPVS. Multivariate analysis revealed medial temporal atrophy (MTA) scale score was independently associated with ADAS-Cog memory score (MTA scale sum ≥4, p = 0.011) but not with the degree of H-EPVS. MTA scale score showed correlation with H-EPVS (r = 0.273, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Aging was associated with the development of H-EPVS in non-dementic elderly population. Memory function was found to be associated with MTA but not with the degree of H-EPVS.