SummaryExcess adipose tissue is a leading cause of both morbidity and mortality, in large part through increased cardiovascular events. Among the many manifestations of excess adipose tissue, particularly the metabolically active visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is an association with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). CSVD is prevalent in most elderly individuals, often without symptoms in early stages, but causes about 25% of strokes and most vascular dementias. Its extent increases with age, suggesting it as a proxy for “brain age”. In this project we will investigate how much of the association of CSVD with neurological outcomes is driven by an underlying excess adipose tissue. We will track changes in adipose tissue and CSVD between appointments. The results will elucidate to what extent adipose tissue drives accelerated brain ageing and whether an early detection of accelerated brain ageing can identify individuals that would most benefit from interventions before the onset of symptoms.

Keywords-

InstitutionsUniversitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)