Association of enlarged perivascular spaces with Aβ and tau deposition in cognitively normal older population

The relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) and Aβ and tau deposition is poorly investigated in cognitively normal older population. In our study, a total of 106 cognitively normal older subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database were included. All the subjects underwent brain MRI, florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET), and flortaucipir PET examinations. EPVS were rated on MRI using a 5-point scale in the basal ganglia (BG-EPVS) and the centrum semiovale (CSO-EPVS). Our study revealed that 43 subjects had high-degree BG-EPVS (degree >1) and 58 subjects had high-degree CSO-EPVS (degree >1). In logistic regression, high degree of BG-EPVS was associated with age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.16) and severe deep white matter hyperintensity (OR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.12–6.35). High degree of CSO-EPVS was associated with flortaucipir PET positivity (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.02–4.93). In conclusion, high degree of CSO-EPVS was associated with tau deposition in the brain, whereas high degree of BG-EPVS was associated with age and severe deep white matter hyperintensity, a marker of small vessel disease. • EPVS were frequently observed in cognitively normal older population. • A high degree of CSO-EPVS was associated with tau deposition in the brain • A high degree of BG-EPVS was associated with age and DWMH.