Diffusion Tensor Imaging Along Perivascular Spaces (DTI-ALPS) to Assess Effects of Age, Sex, and Head Size on Interstitial Fluid Dynamics in Healthy Subjects

Abstract

Diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces (DTI-ALPS) is a novel MRI method for assessing brain interstitial fluid dynamics, potentially indexing glymphatic function. Failed glymphatic clearance is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. We assessed the contribution of age and female sex (strong AD risk factors) to DTI-ALPS index in healthy subjects. We also for the first time assessed the effect of head size. In accord with prior studies, we show reduced DTI-ALPS index with aging, and in men compared to women. However, head size may be a major contributing factor to this counterintuitive sex difference.

Keywords: Aging; Alzheimer’s disease; DTI-ALPS; glymphatic system; interstitial fluid dynamics; sex difference.