Toward diffusion tensor imaging as a biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases: technical considerations to optimize...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biomarkers
• Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background:

• Neuroimaging biomarkers, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), hold significant potential for mapping disease progression in neurodegenerative diseases (NDD).
• Current implementation of DTI in clinical trials for NDD requires optimization, particularly in standardized scanning and analysis procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the considerations and limitations of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in the context of neurodegenerative diseases (NDD).
• To propose suggestions for improving DTI applications in NDD research and clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of existing literature on DTI applications in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Analysis of current DTI protocols, including scanning, pre- and post-processing, and statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified key limitations and challenges in the current application of DTI for NDD.
• Developed a set of recommendations for a standardized DTI scan protocol and a robust analysis cascade.

Conclusions:

• Standardization of DTI protocols and analysis is crucial for its reliable application as a biomarker in neurodegenerative disease clinical trials.
• Implementing a standardized framework will enhance the utility of DTI in future neuroimaging studies for NDD.