Effect of cognitively healthy ageing on brain mechanical properties
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study to develop a high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) protocol to measure the viscoelastic properties of the brain in both young and cognitively healthy older adults.
IRAS ID
177911
Contact name
Neil Roberts
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 12 days
Research summary
“The main aim of this research is to establish a protocol for obtaining high-quality images of the human brain using an imaging technique known as Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). MRE is unique in that it provides images and quantitative values of the brain’s mechanical properties (i.e. brain stiffness). The application of MRE to other organs has shown the high sensitivity for MRE to detect pathological changes to soft tissue, and therefore MRE may be useful in the early detection of a wide range of brain diseases.
We will recruit both young (aged 18-30) and cognitively healthy older subjects (aged 65+). All older subjects will undergo a number of cognitive tests to ensure high memory function. Throughout this study, we will assess the acceptability of the technique, determine the most sensitive and reliable protocol, and assess possible biological differences between young and older subjects. We will also establish normative MRE values - necessary for future clinical investigations.
Funding is provided by the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology (CCACE). Subjects will be recruited from the Volunteer panel (Department of Psychology) and the 'Join Dementia Research' database. All subjects will visit the Clinical Research Imaging Centre (CRIC), a partnership between the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian. The first cohort of subjects will undergo two imaging sessions within 2-3 weeks to assess MRE repeatability. Participants in this cohort will have been recruited into the study early and tolerated the first scan well. A second cohort of subjects will visit CRIC once only for one imaging session.
The study protocol will involve lying in an MRI scanner for approximately 45 minutes (+15 minutes for equipment set up). Structural images of the brain will be obtained before the use of three alternative MRE pulse sequences. For MRE, it is necessary to vibrate the head very gently. To do this, compressed air is generated and transferred via a plastic tube to a soft head-pillow device, placed beneath the participant’s head. The vibration will occur for approximately half of the entire scan time.”
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
15/SS/0219
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion