Relationship between lifestyle factors and neurodegeneration in midlife as expressed on arterial spin labelling and structural magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have demonstrated a relationship between neurodegeneration and lifestyle factors. Neurodegeneration in midlife (40 – 59 years old) can be assessed using neuroimaging. The aim of the thesis was to evaluate the relationship between lifestyle factors and neurodegeneration in midlife as expressed on arterial spin labelling and structural magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: A systematic review of the relationship between lifestyle and neurodegeneration in midlife as expressed on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was undertaken. Additionally, the impact of lifestyle on the arterial spin labelling (ASL) and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) expression of neurodegeneration in a midlife cohort was analytically assessed. Results: Seven lifestyle factors associated with neurodegeneration in midlife as expressed on fMRI were identified by the systematic review. Using data from the PREVENT Dementia cohort, linear regression analysis demonstrated multiple associations between lifestyle and neurodegeneration in midlife as expressed on ASL and sMRI. Discussion: The findings from this thesis can guide future analysis of PREVENT Dementia cohort data. Furthermore, the findings from this thesis could be shared with the public through the NHS Health Check in England and the Keep Well Programme in Scotland, to help promote lifestyle interventions to optimise brain health in midlife