Age-related variations in T1/T2 ratios and perfusion in the deep gray matter nuclei: An MRI study of healthy individuals

Motivation: It remains unclear about MRI signal intensity (i.e. T1/T2 ratio) and perfusion changes during aging, and the relationship between T1/T2 ratio and perfusion in deep gray matter nuclei (DGMN). Goal(s): Systematically exploring the changes of T1/T2 ratio, CBF and ATT during aging and the intensity-perfusion relationship in DGMN. Approach: T1 and T2-weighted and ASL imaging data from 657 healthy adults in the HCP-Aging dataset were used to analyze the changes of T1/T2 ratios, CBF and ATT during aging, and the intensity-perfusion relationship in DGMN. Results: T1/T2 ratio and CBF decreased with age. ATT increased with age. Lower T1/T2 ratios correlated with increased CBF. Impact: Using a large cohort dataset, our study revealed the changes of signal intensity and cerebral perfusion during aging, which may enhance the understanding of the underlying tissue and vascular changes during aging.