A multi‐dimensional diffusion encoding (MDE) protocol for studying brain microstructure changes in neurodegeneration

We have developed a MDE protocol of 1.8 mm isotropic and demonstrated its high scan-rescan reproducibility, globally and in four critical WM regions for cognitive function. The achieved 1.8 mm isotropic resolution, together with a large slice coverage (∼70 mm) within a clinically feasible scan time (∼13 min), sets the foundation for more specifically mapping brain microstructure changes in critical brain regions (e.g., the medial temporal lobe) to capture neurodegeneration.