Age-related differences in Rostral-Middle locus coeruleus microstructure: A critical role in cognitive decline revealed by magnetic resonance relaxometry.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Locus Coeruleus (LC) is a critical brain region affected by neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Despite its importance, in-vivo investigations of age-related LC degeneration and association with cognitive decline have been limited.

Method

We employed magnetic resonance relaxometry, namely the Bayesian Monte-Carlo analysis of multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T₁ and T₂ (BMC-mcDESPOT) MRI method, to estimate microstructural integrity represented by longitudinal (R₁) and transverse (R₂) relaxation rates, as well as Myelin Water Fraction (MWF) in the LC of a diverse cohort of 120 cognitively unimpaired individuals aged 22 to 94 years. BMC-mcDESPOT offers high spatial resolution and is effect

SUBMITTER: Bae J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12261599 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature