Using Advanced Brain and Spinal Cord Imaging to Study Resilience and Neurodegeneration in Neurological Diseases and Healthy Aging

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how the brain and spinal cord adapt and change in neurological diseases and healthy aging by using advanced brain and spinal imaging techniques. This study focuses on understanding how energy failure in neurons, measured by sodium levels, affects brain connectivity and structure. The study includes patients with various neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and others, as well as healthy adults, to compare changes in the central nervous system over time. Participants will undergo detailed brain and spinal cord imaging using multiple MRI methods at both high and ultra-high magnetic fields. These include sodium and phosphorus imaging alongside assessments of brain connectivity and structure. The study will observe participants at the start and again after 24 months to track changes. Various clinical assessments like neuropsychological tests and specific disease-related evaluations will accompany imaging to understand the impact on physical and cognitive functions. During the study, participants will have MRI scans, clinical assessments, and functional tests including motor and visual evaluations. Researchers will measure brain connectivity, sodium concentration, cortical thickness, and other metabolic and structural factors at baseline and after two years. The study aims to provide detailed data to help improve diagnosis and understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and healthy brain aging. Participation will last at least two years with follow-up assessments to monitor changes.

Integrating Metabolism, Connectivity, and Mesoscale Imaging at Ultra-high Field to Decipher Mechanisms of Resilience and Neurodegeneration in Neurological Diseases and Healthy Aging