The primary aim of the current research project is to answer the question, whether plasma trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) level may be used as a marker of ischemic changes in the brain. TMAO is associated with endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress. The hypothesis is that circulating TMAO level may predict leukoaraiosis (LA) and/or stroke. Secondary, the investigators would like to examine whether plasma TMAO concentration is related to cognitive impairment and determine whether choline consumption is associated with an incidence of LA severity and dementia.
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Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Timeframe: before qualifying for the study, during the recruitment period
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) blood concentration
Timeframe: up to 4 weeks after brain MRI