Alternations in cerebral blood flow in individuals with mild cognitive impairment measured by velocity selective arterial spin labeling

Motivation: Evidence shows that cerebral perfusion may be crucial in the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Analyzing alternations of cerebral blood flow (CBF) may help us understand their relationships. Goal(s): To assess the alternations of CBF in regions prone to amyloid deposition between individuals with MCI and age-matched controls. Approach: Velocity-selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) was used to acquire CBF maps. CBF values in key brain regions were compared between MCI and controls. Results: Significant reductions in CBF were observed in key cortical regions as well as regions prone to amyloid deposition. Impact: The VSASL technique enables accurate measurement of cerebral blood flow in elderly individuals. Assessing changes in cerebral blood flow and its relationship with amyloid deposition can enhance our understanding of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.