Quantitative imaging in dementia

Summary The aim of this study is to explore the utility of advanced MR imaging approaches in detecting early dementia.

Project Details

Volumetric MR imaging measures are an integral part of the clinical assessment of patients with suspected dementia. Studies have shown that there is clinical utility in using volumetric MR measures to differentiate between amnestic MCI from cognitively normal older adults. Compared to volumetric MRI measures, we have recently shown that hippocampal sodium concentration from MR imaging to be sensitive to differentiate between healthy controls and MCI.  In this project, we hope to evaluate the utility of sodium imaging compared to other advanced MR imaging approaches such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), iron mapping (QSM) and glutathione (MRS). The current study will use imaging and clinical data from ongoing clinical trials.  The students will be mentored and work within a multidisciplinary team in the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and University of Melbourne as well as other collaborators (in Melbourne and internationally). An additional top-up PhD scholarship will be available for qualified students. The specific details of the project will be discussed with interested candidates. Publication of results is expected at the end of the project.