Whole-brain perfusion mapping in mice model for Alzheimer’s disease by dynamic BOLD MRI with transient hypoxia

Motivation: Drugs have been developed to slow the progression of cognitive decline. However, current biomarkers for early detection of dementia have limitations. Goal(s): To determine whether the newly developed dynamic blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) MRI with transient hypoxia can help in early screening in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Approach: 2, 4, and 6-month-old Tg-SwDI transgenic mice and wild-type mice underwent dynamic BOLD MRI with transient hypoxia, behavior test, and histopathology. Results: Dynamic BOLD MRI with transient hypoxia successfully showed cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume reduction in Tg-SwDI at age without cerebral volume reduction. Impact: Dynamic BOLD MRI with transient hypoxia can demonstrate cerebral perfusion changes before volume decline, suggesting the potential of this noninvasive technique as an early biomarker of dementia that may allow for screening of potential patients for dementia treatment.