Effects of aging on T₁, T₂*, and QSM MRI values in the subcortex.
The aging brain undergoes several anatomical changes that can be measured with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Early studies using lower field strengths have assessed changes in tissue properties mainly qualitatively, using [Formula: see text]- or [Formula: see text]- weighted images to provide image contrast. With the development of higher field strengths (7 T and above) and more advanced MRI contrasts, quantitative measures can be acquired even of small subcortical structures. This study investigates volumetric, spatial, and quantitative MRI parameter changes associated with healthy aging in a range of subcortical nuclei, including the basal ganglia, red nucleus, and the periaqueductal grey. The results show that aging has a heterogenous effects across regions. Across the subcortical areas an increase of [Formula: see text] values is observed, most likely indicating a loss of myelin. Only for a number of areas, a decrease of [Formula: see text] and increase of QSM is found, indicating an increase of iron. Aging also results in a location shift for a number of structures indicating the need for visualization of the anatomy of individual brains.
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mckeuken@gmail.com.|Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mckeuken@gmail.com.
M C
MC
Keuken
Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
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PL
Bazin
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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K
Backhouse
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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S
Beekhuizen
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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L
Himmer
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
A
A
Kandola
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
J J
JJ
Lafeber
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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L
Prochazkova
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
A
A
Trutti
Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Diagnostic Imaging, Magnetic Resonance, Research and Development, Erlangen, Germany.
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A
Schäfer
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.|Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
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R
Turner
Integrative Model-based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.|Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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BU
Forstmann
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010487:Periaqueductal Gray / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012012:Red Nucleus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D020531:Subthalamic Nucleus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult
D007501:Iron
Aging; Basal ganglia; QSM; Subcortex; Ultra-high field 7 T MRI