DTI-ALPS mapping: A Novel Method for Analyzing the Glymphatic System in the Brain

Motivation: A voxel-based mapping method could display the entire cerebral white-matter ALPS index, allowing full-scale analysis of ALPS index. Goal(s): To develop a novel method for intuitively and comprehensively assessing glymphatic system activity and tracking full-scale ALPS changes along the dementia continuum. Approach: Proposed a voxel-based DTI-ALPS mapping method, segmenting the entire cerebral white-matter fibers into 30 regions for group comparison. Validated against conventional ROI-based methods for reliability. Results: The voxel-based DTI-ALPS mapping identified significant inter-group differences in mean ALPS values across multiple regions. Its consistency with the conventional method supports its reliability, while offering a more detailed view of ALPS variations. Impact: This study represents a pioneering effort by introducing a white matter DTI-ALPS mapping technique. This innovative approach significantly enhances the detection of differences associated with cognitive decline and offers a more comprehensive perspective for advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative processes.