Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Brain Metabolism in Middle-Aged Individuals

Atherosclerosis has been linked to cognitive decline in late life; however, the impact of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and subclinical atherosclerosis on brain metabolism at earlier stages remains unexplored. This study sought determine association between metabolism, atherosclerosis, CVRFs middle-aged asymptomatic individuals. included 547 participants (50 ± 4 years, 82% men) from PESA (Progression Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis) with evidence atherosclerosis. Participants underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography. Global FDG uptake voxel-wise analyses were used evaluate associations cerebral atherosclerotic plaque burden carotids femorals assessed by 3-dimensional vascular ultrasound. showed an inverse correlation 30-year Framingham Risk Score (FRS) (? = ?0.15, p < 0.001). was mainly driven presence hypertension (d 0.36, Carotid inversely associated global ?0.16, 0.001), even after adjusting for FRS. Voxel-wise approaches revealed that areas most strongly affected hypometabolism FRS, hypertension, carotid parietotemporal regions (angular, supramarginal, inferior/middle temporal gyri) cingulate gyrus. In individuals, is hypometabolism, being modifiable CVRF showing strongest association. also reduced independently CVRFs. Cerebral include those known be dementia. These data reinforce need control early life order potentially reduce brain’s midlife vulnerability future dysfunction.