Advanced multicomponent MR relaxometry detects early changes in the Locus Coeruleus associated with age-related cognitive decline

Motivation: The locus coeruleus (LC) is an important brain structure involved in neurodegenerative disease. Despite the critical need for quantitative in-vivo assessment of LC structural integrity, current methods are less robust. Goal(s): To apply advanced quantitative MRI techniques (qMRI) for evaluating LC's structural integrity and myelination level and to investigate the correlation between qMRI metrics and both cross-sectional and longitudinal cognitive performance. Approach: We employed BMC-mcDESPOT imaging protocol to derive qMRI metrics in the LC. We investigated correlated these measures with age and cognitive changes. Results: Our results indicate that qMRI metrics are correlated with age and both cross-sectional and longitudinal changes in cognition. Impact: Our quantitative MRI metrics, reflecting changes of LC in structural integrity and myelination, are sensitive to cognitive changes. This novel imaging biomarkers are sensitive to early changes in LC to support healthy brain aging.