Achieving brain clearance and preventing neurodegenerative diseases-A glymphatic perspective

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-beta 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.

Automated summary

Age-related neurodegenerative diseases are becoming a growing burden on society, with environmental factors, diet, and lifestyle playing significant roles in disease occurrence. The glymphatic system, involved in clearing metabolic by-products to reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, is influenced by factors such as sleep, diet, and vascular health. The study also highlights the importance of magnetic resonance imaging data on CSF flow control and the correlation with findings from animal studies.