The Study
Enlarged perivascular spaces in subcortical white matter are linked to amyloid–tau depositions and cognitive decline: Data from a memory clinic in Thailand
This study looked at people with memory problems and found that certain tiny fluid spaces in their brains were bigger when they had more of the sticky proteins linked to Alzheimer’s. But it didn’t prove that the spaces made the proteins appear — they might just happen together because of something else going on in the brain.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
In people with early memory problems, big fluid-filled spaces around blood vessels in the brain's white matter (CSO) are linked to more Alzheimer's proteins (amyloid and tau) and faster memory loss.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 544 / 100
Quality score
Snapshots of a population at a single point in time, or descriptions of small groups. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes — having lots of these spaces may mean Alzheimer's proteins are building up, and memory may get worse faster, but the spaces themselves might not directly cause the decline.
- 2People with more CSO spaces had 3.06 higher amyloid levels and 0.15 higher tau levels on scans.
- 3Their memory scores dropped 2.98 points more over two years — but only if you don't count the amyloid and tau.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Alzheimer's & Dementia : Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring
Year
2026
Authors
Kittithatch Booncharoen, Poosanu Thanapornsangsuth, Thanakit Pongpitakmetha, Yuthachai Sarutikriangkri, Yuttachai Likitjaroen, Sekh Thanprasertsuk
Related Content
Claims (6)
The buildup of amyloid-beta proteins starts the disease process in Alzheimer's, but the spread of tau proteins is more closely linked to worsening memory and thinking problems.
In adults with early memory problems or mild dementia, more severe enlargement of fluid-filled spaces around brain blood vessels in a specific region correlates with higher levels of amyloid-beta protein and tau protein accumulation in the brain.
In older adults with memory problems or early dementia, enlarged fluid spaces around blood vessels in the basal ganglia are not linked to levels of amyloid-beta, tau protein, or the rate of cognitive decline.
In older adults with mild memory problems and no high blood pressure or diabetes, more extensive fluid-filled spaces around brain blood vessels in a specific region is linked to higher levels of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
In older adults with early memory problems, more extensive fluid-filled spaces around brain blood vessels in a specific region correlates with faster worsening of memory and thinking skills over two years, regardless of amyloid and tau protein levels.
In older adults with memory problems due to early Alzheimer's or mild dementia, a higher concentration of enlarged fluid spaces around blood vessels in the brain's white matter compared to deeper brain regions is linked to greater accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.