Novel Quantitative Approaches in Functional and Structural Imaging of Normal Aging Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorder: Part III. Clinical Applications of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques

Abstract

As investigators understand more in neurophysiology and biomedical physics, many advances are being concurrently made in Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that provide both imaging and quantitative analysis. These techniques provide researchers with powerful approaches to better associate brain structure and functionality. Volumetric MR and Voxel based morphometry (VBM) allow more accurate analysis than visual assessment. New imaging modalities such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Magnetization Transfer Imaging (MTI) can detect abnormalities in the white matter not seen with conventional MRI. Finally, ASL MRI has been shown to calculate absolute CBF as comparable to H¹⁵₂O PET, but with the added benefit of no radiation exposure. These novel MR-based techniques will facilitate the application of MRI for research and clinical practice and will continue to be refined to become more specific and accurate in the coming years.