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Updated: May 25, 2026

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Changes of axial and radial diffusivities in cerebral white matter led by normal aging
1Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China.
Purpose:
Purpose of the study is to reveal the changes of directional diffusion in cerebral white matter (WM) by normal aging.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-nine volunteers were recruited to examine the changes in the directional diffusion of cerebral white matter (WM) due to normal aging.
Results:
No significant difference between the older and younger group (P>.05) was detected in the axial diffusivity (λ(ll)) of any of the regions of interest (ROI), while radial diffusivity (λ(perpendicular)) was significantly higher in the older group (P<.05) except for occipital lobe WM.
Conclusion:
λ(ll) and λ(perpendicular) may be used as in vivo markers that differentially and specifically reflect the WM changes of normal aging.
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