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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion MRI of gray matter microstructural profiles in healthy aging
1Department of Psychology, University of Utah, USA.
Abstract:
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition technique that can provide detailed information about brain microstructure. This methodology has historically been applied only to white matter tissue in the research context, but more recent literature suggests that diffusion MRI can also be applied to study microstructural alterations of gray matter tissue, including in healthy aging. The current narrative review evaluates diffusion MRI studies investigating age-related differences in gray matter microstructure and their implications for understanding cognitive function in healthy older adults. The studies reviewed here report widespread age-related differences in cortical (especially frontoparietal), hippocampal, and subcortical microstructure that is behaviorally relevant- especially for cognitive domains of learning and memory. Gray matter microstructure is consistently influenced by the presence of dementia-related pathology, physical activity, and sleep health, but additional research work is needed to understand the roles of biological sex, environment, and dietary intake. Future work of gray matter microstructural profiles in healthy aging should consider longitudinal designs, combining different diffusion MRI modeling techniques in the same study, and defining more specific cognitive correlates (e.g., processing speed).
Insights
Diffusion MRI reveals age-related changes in brain gray matter microstructure, impacting learning and memory in older adults. Further research is needed to explore influencing factors like sex and diet.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a non-invasive MRI technique providing insights into brain microstructure.
- Historically focused on white matter, DWI is increasingly applied to study gray matter alterations, particularly in healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diffusion MRI studies examining age-related gray matter microstructural differences.
- To explore the implications of these changes for cognitive function in healthy older adults.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing diffusion MRI literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating age-related microstructural changes in cortical, hippocampal, and subcortical gray matter.
Main Results:
- Widespread age-related microstructural differences observed in cortical (frontoparietal), hippocampal, and subcortical regions.
- These changes are behaviorally relevant, particularly for learning and memory domains.
- Gray matter microstructure is influenced by dementia pathology, physical activity, and sleep health.
Conclusions:
- Diffusion MRI is valuable for understanding age-related gray matter changes and cognitive function.
- Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs, multimodal diffusion MRI techniques, and investigate factors like sex, environment, and diet.
- More specific cognitive correlates, such as processing speed, should be defined in future studies.
