Simultaneous 1H/23Na MRF in healthy brain aging: Preliminary data

Motivation: Quantitative sodium brain imaging has shown changes for neurodegenerative diseases and is of interest in healthy brain aging. Goal(s): This study aims to investigate quantitative changes in sodium and proton MR fingerprinting parameters in healthy individuals of different ages. Approach: Data was collected from nine volunteers with a simultaneous 3D 1H/23Na MRF sequence at 7T. The study aimed to measure sodium and proton densities and their relaxation times in white matter, gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. Results: Initial findings showed no significant differences in MRF parameters. Further research with a larger cohort and in smaller defined regions of the brain is planned. Impact: Quantitative sodium imaging in the brain can be of high interest for investigating healthy aging. Simultaneous 1H/23Na MRF enables quantification of sodium and proton MR parameters. This study provides insights on age-dependent changes in MR parameters.