Abstract INTRODUCTION We evaluated whether the brain glymphatic drainage function estimated by the diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI‐ALPS) index relates to white matter (WM) integrity, Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, resting‐state electroencephalogram (rsEEG) alpha rhythms underpinning quiet vigilance, and cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS Clinical, neuroimaging, and rsEEG data were analyzed in matched mild cognitive impairment due to AD (ADMCI) and MCI not due to AD (noADMCI) participants. DTI‐ALPS index and aperiodic and periodic components of the rsEEG power spectra were calculated following standard pipelines. RESULTS Lower DTI‐ALPS index was associated with higher AD neuropathology and WM lesions, lower periodic rsEEG alpha rhythms, and worse cognition in patients with ADMCI and noADMCI as a whole population, with the ADMCI (over noADMCI) group showing lower DTI‐ALPS index, greater AD neuropathology, and lower periodic rsEEG alpha rhythms. CONCLUSIONS The DTI‐ALPS index may capture glymphatic system impairment linked to AD neuropathology, vigilance dysfunction, and cognitive decline in MCI.
Lopez et al. (Wed,) studied this question.