Achieving brain clearance and preventing neurodegenerative diseases—A glymphatic perspective. Issue 9 (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kylkilahti, Tekla Maria; Berends, Eline; Ramos, Marta; Shanbhag, Nagesh C; Töger, Johannes; Markenroth Bloch, Karin; Lundgaard, Iben
• Is Part Of: Journal of cerebral blood flow & metabolism. Volume 41:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 2137
• Page End: 2149
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Glymphatic system -- cerebrospinal fluid -- 7T MRI -- brain clearance -- neurodegeneration; Cerebral circulation -- Periodicals; Brain -- Metabolism -- Periodicals; Brain -- Blood-vessels -- Periodicals; Cerebrovascular disease -- Periodicals; 612.824
• DOI: 10.1177/0271678X20982388
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-678X

Abstract

Age-related neurodegenerative diseases are a growing burden to society, and many are sporadic, meaning that the environment, diet and lifestyle play significant roles. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-mediated clearing of brain waste products via perivascular pathways, named the glymphatic system, is receiving increasing interest, as it offers unexplored perspectives on understanding neurodegenerative diseases. The glymphatic system is involved in clearance of metabolic by-products such as amyloid-β from the brain, and its function is believed to lower the risk of developing some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we present magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data on the heart cycle's control of CSF flow in humans which corroborates findings from animal studies. We also review the importance of sleep, diet, vascular health for glymphatic clearance and find that these factors are also known players in brain longevity.