Regional specificity of MRI contrast parameter changes in normal ageing revealed by voxel-based quantification (VBQ)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.01.052
• Publication Date: 2011-01-29T09:28:32Z
• Authors: B. Draganski; J. Ashburner; C. Hutton; F. Kherif; R.S.J. Frackowiak; G. Helms; N. Weiskopf
• Keywords: Grey matter; Voxel-based morphometry

Normal ageing is associated with characteristic changes in brain microstructure. Although vivo neuroimaging captures spatial and temporal patterns of age-related anatomy at the macroscopic scale, our knowledge underlying (patho)physiological processes cellular molecular levels still limited. The aim this study to explore tissue properties normal using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside conventional morphological assessment. Using a whole-brain approach cohort 26 adults, aged 18-85years, we performed voxel-based morphometric (VBM) analysis quantification (VBQ) diffusion tensor, magnetization transfer (MT), R1, R2* relaxation parameters. We found reductions cortical subcortical grey matter volume paralleled by fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), MT R2*. latter were regionally specific depending on their differential sensitivity microscopic properties. VBQ white revealed distinct anatomical change Widespread profound reduction contrasted local FA decreases MD increases. R1 increases observed smaller extent overlapping occipito-parietal regions. interpret findings, based current biophysical models, as fingerprint age-dependent atrophy microstructural myelin, iron deposits water. present allows for systematic unbiased exploration interaction between parameters extends methods detection neurodegenerative brain. demonstrated parameter-specific distribution offer insights into structure provide essential baseline data studying disease against background healthy ageing.