Polygenic risk of white matter hyperintensities and protective role of high‐density lipoprotein in cognitively unimpaired individuals at low risk for late life dementia

TL;DR

This study finds that high HDL cholesterol protects against brain lesions linked to dementia risk in people with low cardiovascular risk.

Contribution

Identifies lipid-related mechanisms and protective role of HDL in white matter hyperintensities among cognitively unimpaired individuals.

Findings

Genetic predisposition to white matter hyperintensities is associated with increased lesion volume.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels act as a protective factor against white matter hyperintensities.

Total cholesterol levels are positively associated with white matter hyperintensity volume.

Abstract

Cerebrovascular lesions, particularly white matter hyperintensities (WMH), are often found in middle‐aged individuals with a low cardiovascular risk profile. Understanding modifiable mechanisms leading to cerebrovascular disease is fundamental for implementing preventive strategies. This study aimed to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying the presence of WMH in cognitively unimpaired (CU) middle‐aged individuals.

We included 1,072 CU participants from the ALFA study with a low cardiovascular risk profile for late‐life dementia based on the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) I score. We assessed genetic predisposition to WMH using polygenic scoring (PRSWMH). Covariate‐adjusted Spearman's rank correlation tests evaluated the association between the PRSWMH and white matter hyperintensities volumes (WMHV). Partial correlations were adjusted for age and sex. Sensitivity analyses were performed adjusting the models for hypertension status, CAIDE score, WMH severity (Fazekas score 2), and APOE‐𝜀4 carriership. Next, enrichment analysis was conducted to identify the primary biological pathways (Gene Ontology; GO terms) enriched within the list of genes that confer higher risk of WMH (PRS‐annotated genes). Results lead to a final confirmatory analysis exploring the role of lipids as biomarkers of WMHV by examining the association of lipid abnormality (based on either self‐reported hypercholesterolemia, use of lipid‐modifying treatments, or pathological lipid levels) and WMHV in a nested cohort with available lipid measurements.

Genetic predisposition to WMH was associated with larger WMHV, even after controlling for confounders [Figure 1]. Lipid‐related biological processes were driving WMH genetic risk [Figure 2] and, remarkably, increased high‐density lipoprotein levels (HDL) acted as a protective factor against WMHV while higher total cholesterol (Tchol) appeared to be a risk factor [Figure 3].

Lipid‐related mechanisms contribute to WMH in asymptomatic individuals at low risk for late‐life dementia based on their cardiovascular profile. In this population, high total cholesterol levels act as a risk factor for WMHV while high levels of HDL emerge as a protective factor. These individuals should be considered for lifestyle‐ and cholesterol‐lowering therapies to prevent dementia later in life.

Figures