Cerebrovascular-Reactivity Mapping Using MRI: Considerations for Alzheimer's Disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Imaging
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is traditionally linked to brain atrophy and amyloid deposition.
• Emerging evidence highlights a significant connection between cerebrovascular dysfunction and AD pathogenesis.
• Neuroimaging is increasingly incorporating vascular measures to investigate AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for mapping cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) in Alzheimer's disease research.
• To highlight recent advancements in MRI methodologies for CVR mapping.
• To discuss emerging stimulus-free approaches for CVR assessment.

Main Methods:

• Focus on MRI-based techniques for CVR mapping.
• Review of recent developments in MRI methodology for CVR.
• Exploration of stimulus-free CVR mapping approaches.

Main Results:

• CVR mapping using MRI offers a non-invasive method to assess vascular function in AD.
• Advancements in MRI techniques are improving the feasibility and accuracy of CVR mapping.
• Stimulus-free approaches may enhance routine CVR assessment in clinical settings.

Conclusions:

• CVR mapping via MRI is a promising tool for investigating the vascular component of AD.
• Routine CVR mapping could reveal new insights into AD development and progression.
• Critical evaluation of CVR-mapping techniques is necessary, especially for vulnerable populations.