Concentration of Trimethylamine Oxide (TMAO) in Blood Plasma as a Risk Factor for Vascular Cerebral Damage

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.