Spaces around brain vessels show links that vary by region
In 1,199 adults aged 54–65 without cognitive impairment, an observational study linked these spaces to different factors depending on brain region and sex.
Limit: Higher genetic risk and lack of cognitive impairment may limit applicability to broader populations
Edited by Boris Djordjevic · AgingResearch.News
In an observational study, researchers examined 1,199 ALFA participants aged 54–65 without cognitive impairment, selected to include more people at genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease. MRI scans measured perivascular spaces, fluid-filled spaces around brain blood vessels, in four regions. Researchers also assessed Alzheimer’s markers in cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, in 296 participants.
In the centrum semiovale, an area of nerve fibers, counts were associated with age, male sex and cardiovascular and metabolic factors. In the hippocampus and midbrain, two other brain regions, counts were more closely related to Alzheimer’s markers and sleep or psychological measures. Differences between men and women also depended on the region. Associations were stronger in participants with abnormalities involving both amyloid and tau, proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it matters
For Alzheimer’s disease before cognitive symptoms appear, the authors suggest that these MRI-visible spaces could help assess risk and guide more tailored prevention.
Caveats
The observational design cannot establish cause and effect. The group’s higher genetic risk and lack of cognitive impairment may limit how well the findings apply to broader populations.
The paper
Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC)
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, Oct 28, 2026
