Utilizing the human connectome project to quantify gray matter microstructural decline and cognitive correlates in healthy aging using MAP-MRI

Motivation: The mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI model, free from biophysical assumptions, shows high sensitivity to gray matter (GM) microstructural changes. Yet, its capacity to predict age-related cognitive and behavioral changes is uncharted. Goal(s): To profile MAP-MRI based microstructural/volumetric changes in normal aging and its cognitive correlates. Approach: Utilizing the HCP-Aging diffusion and cognitive datasets from 707 unimpaired participants, we investigated age associations in 56 GM regions and their cognitive correlates. Results: MAP-MRI identified unique age-related patterns in GM regions, linked to memory and executive function decline, limbic network stability; suggesting potential for MAP-MRI in predicting age-related cognitive, behavioral, and microstructural changes. Impact: MAP-MRI identified unique age-related patterns in GM regions, linked to memory and executive function decline, limbic network stability; suggesting potential for MAP-MRI in predicting age-related cognitive, behavioral, and microstructural changes.