Quantitating Neuroanatomic Volumetry and White Matter Hyperintensity Lesion wrapped in AI Model in Aging Cohorts as a determinant of Brain Age

Motivation: In an aging population, a subset of individuals at any age group present with low white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume in the brain, while another subset has intermediate to high WMH load. Goal(s): To establish a Brain Age Estimation model involving WMH lesion quantification as a clinical indicator of Brain Health. Approach: We have investigated the ‘Brain Health’ in terms of Brain Age using neuroanatomic volume, thickness together with WMH load across cognitively normal, impaired and Alzheimer’s Disease subjects. Results: An increased Brain Age gap is observed for the subjects with elevated WMH load compared to the brains with low WMH. Impact: Brain health is a composite representation of structural, fiber and vascular health. For the first time, a MR based quantitative platform with WMH load and comprehensive neuroanatomic volumetry is established, which estimates ‘Brain Age’ as an indicator of Brain Health.