INTRODUCTION

This study investigates the relationship between microglia inflammation in the hippocampus, brain pathologies, and cognitive decline.

METHODS

Participants underwent annual clinical evaluations and agreed to brain donation. Neuropathologic evaluations quantified microglial burden in the hippocampus, amyloid beta (Aβ), tau tangles, and limbic age-related transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) encephalopathy neuropathologic changes (LATE-NC), and other common brain pathologies. Mixed-effect and linear regression models examined the association of microglia with a decline in global and domain-specific cognitive measures, and separately with brain pathologies. Path analyses estimated direct and indirect effects of microglia on global cognition.

RESULT

Hippocampal microglia were associated with a faster decline in global cognition, specifically in episodic memory, semantic memory, and perceptual speed. Tau tangles and LATE-NC were independently associated with microglia. Other pathologies, including Aβ, were not related. Regional hippocampal burden of tau tangles and TDP-43 accounted for half of the association of microglia with cognitive decline.

DISCUSSION

Microglia inflammation in the hippocampus contributes to cognitive decline. Tau tangles and LATE-NC partially mediate this association.