Association between enlarged perivascular spaces in the basal ganglia and the Frontal Assessment Battery: A cross-sectional study

Background Enlarged perivascular spaces of the basal ganglia (BG-EPVS), an emerging topic in cerebral small vessel disease, are known to be associated with executive dysfunction. However, their relationships with specific domains of executive function remain unclear . Objective This study aimed to clarify the association between BG-EPVS and cognitive function, as assessed by the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from our prospective cohort study to investigate the association between gut microbiota and dementia. We enrolled patients who visited a memory clinic and collected information on demographics, risk factors, and cognitive function, as well as brain imaging data. EPVS severity in the basal ganglia and centrum semiovale was rated according to magnetic resonance imaging data. We examined the relationship between severe BG-EPVS and FAB scores, including on individual FAB subtests. Results We analyzed 100 participants (mean age: 76 years, 47% women). Multivariable analyses showed that a lower FAB total score (< 13 points) was independently associated with severe BG-EPVS (odds ratio: 4.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.08−17.8). Among the FAB subtests, a lower score (< 2 points) on the similarities subtest was independently associated with severe BG-EPVS (odds ratio: 3.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.07−8.51). However, there was no significant association between EPVS in the centrum semiovale and the FAB score. Conclusions In this study, severe BG-EPVS were independently associated with a lower FAB score, particularly on the similarities subtest. Effective management of vascular risk factors for BG-EPVS in older adults is important for preventing cognitive decline.