Vascular risk factors mediate the relationship between education and white matter hyperintensities.

INTRODUCTION

Education can protect against cognitive decline and dementia through cognitive reserve and reduced vascular risk. This study examined whether vascular risk mediated the relationship between education and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden.

METHODS

Data from 1443 older adults from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center were analyzed. A composite vascular score was created using diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, alcohol abuse, body mass index, and blood pressure. Linear regressions and mediation analyses examined associations and indirect effects between education, vascular risk, and WMHs, adjusting for age, sex, and diagnosis.

RESULTS

Higher education was associated with lower vascular risk (p < 0.001) and WMH burden (p = 0.004). Mediation analysis showed an indirect effect of education on WMH via vascular risk (a*b = -0.02, p < 0.001), accounting for 27% of the total effect.

DISCUSSION: Education influences cerebrovascular health by reducing vascular risk. Addressing vascular health may reduce WMH burden.

HIGHLIGHTS: Education is associated with lower WMH burden in aging adults. Vascular risk factors mediate the education-WMH relationship. Higher education predicts better vascular profiles and less WMH accumulation.