Brain tissue electrical conductivity as a promising biomarker for dementia assessment using MRI

Motivation: Alzheimer's disease (AD) detection typically relies on Aβ and tau PET imaging, which is limited by ionizing radiation. In AD, reduced Na+/K+ ATPase activity causes ion imbalances measurable through MRI-based conductivity, suggesting that the conductivity map may provide a non-invasive alternative. Goal(s): This study investigates the relationship between brain tissue conductivity, protein aggregation, cognition, and gene expression for potential AD diagnosis. Approach: Conductivity maps are reconstructed using transceive phase images. They are correlated with PET signals, cognitive scores, and plasma proteins while analyzing gene ontology for AD patients. Results: Increased conductivity aligned with Aβ/tau aggregation, cognitive decline, and gene expression in ion transport. Impact: Our findings reveal a significant relationship between increased brain tissue conductivity and protein aggregation in dementia, suggesting that conductivity may be a non-invasive biomarker for monitoring AD and neurodegeneration mechanisms.