A next-generation MRI brain imaging platform for dementia research: from microstructure to function
Award Number
MR/M009106/1Programme
Research GrantStatus / Stage
ActiveDates
1 April 2015 -31 August 2016
Duration (calculated)
01 years 04 monthsFunder(s)
MRC (UKRI)Funding Amount
£1,217,069.00Funder/Grant study page
MRC UKRIContracted Centre
University College LondonPrincipal Investigator
Professor Yousry, Tarek API Contact
t.yousry@ucl.ac.ukWHO Catergories
Tools and methodologies for interventionsDisease Type
Dementia (Unspecified)CPEC Review Info
| Reference ID | 269 |
|---|---|
| Researcher | Reside Team |
| Published | 12/06/2023 |
Data
| Award Number | MR/M009106/1 |
|---|---|
| Status / Stage | Active |
| Start Date | 20150401 |
| End Date | 20160831 |
| Duration (calculated) | 01 years 04 months |
| Funder/Grant study page | MRC UKRI |
| Contracted Centre | University College London |
| Funding Amount | £1,217,069.00 |
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be crucial in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment trials in dementia. We will establish next-generation MRI technology in the UCL 3T Dementia Research Scanner. The upgrade including multi-nuclear, parallel transmit, multi band excitation, 64 channel RF head-coil, and stronger gradients will yield the spatial resolution, diffusion sensitivity, and scan-time efficiency essential for delivery and rapid translation of MRI innovation in 7 key areas: Diffusion microstructure imaging: Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), ActiveAx to map average axon diameter, and oscillating gradient spin-echo (OGSE) methods. Multi-contrast quantitative MRI: Multi-parameter mapping reflecting microstructure; in vivo histology MRI quantifying cortical microanatomy, myelin, iron and amyloid plaque distribution. Advanced tractography and tractometry: Probing tracts important in dementia, but too small to investigate reliably to date, and structural connectivity as a whole, illuminating network changes and offering connectivity-based biomarkers. Clinical Functional MRI: Functional connectivity metrics may be sensitive markers of neural network dysfunction prior to irreversible structural brain damage. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) perfusion mapping: ASL has begun to impact in dementia research and perfusion may be key in the multi-parametric MRI signature differentiating neurodegenerative diseases. Sodium Imaging: Provides indices sensitive to inflammation and neuroaxonal loss. The role of neuroinflammation in dementia, long recognised is still poorly understood. Ultra-Fast Prospective Motion Correction (PMC): Optical tracking PMC completely compensates for head motion, a major limitation in clinical high resolution imaging. The work aligns completely with the UKDP priorities of establishing cohorts and methods to expedite trials of interventions effective before widespread, irreversible neuronal damage occurs.
Aims
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be crucial in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment trials in dementia. We will establish next-generation MRI technology in the UCL 3T Dementia Research Scanner. The upgrade including multi-nuclear, parallel transmit, multi band excitation, 64 channel RF head-coil, and stronger gradients will yield the spatial resolution, diffusion sensitivity, and scan-time efficiency essential for delivery and rapid translation of MRI innovation in 7 key areas:
Diffusion microstructure imaging: Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), ActiveAx to map average axon diameter, and oscillating gradient spin-echo (OGSE) methods.
Multi-contrast quantitative MRI: Multi-parameter mapping reflecting microstructure; in vivo histology MRI quantifying cortical microanatomy, myelin, iron and amyloid plaque distribution.
Advanced tractography and tractometry: Probing tracts important in dementia, but too small to investigate reliably to date, and structural connectivity as a whole, illuminating network changes and offering connectivity-based biomarkers.
Clinical Functional MRI: Functional connectivity metrics may be sensitive markers of neural network dysfunction prior to irreversible structural brain damage.
Arterial spin labelling (ASL) perfusion mapping: ASL has begun to impact in dementia research and perfusion may be key in the multi-parametric MRI signature differentiating neurodegenerative diseases.
Sodium Imaging: Provides indices sensitive to inflammation and neuroaxonal loss. The role of neuroinflammation in dementia, long recognised is still poorly understood.
Ultra-Fast Prospective Motion Correction (PMC): Optical tracking PMC completely compensates for head motion, a major limitation in clinical high resolution imaging.
The work aligns completely with the UKDP priorities of establishing cohorts and methods to expedite trials of interventions effective before widespread, irreversible neuronal damage occurs.