Advanced Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Neurodegenerative Diseases

In vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) allows non-invasive quantification of numerous neurochemicals, including markers of neurons and glia, neurotransmitters (glutamate, g-aminobutyric acid), antioxidants (glutathione, vitamin C) and energy metabolites. Regional quantification of these metabolites in the human and animal model brain provides access to multiple aspects of pathology in neurological disorders. This presentation will share our experience in utilizing MRS for detection of early neurochemical changes and for monitoring treatments in neurodegenerative diseases at high field MR scanners. The talk will also address the limitations of standard, commercial clinical MRS tools, which are overcome with advanced MRS software developed in the research setting. Finally, I will demonstrate that advanced MRS methodology can be harmonized across sites and vendors and share our experience in using the advanced technology in multi-site settings.