MRI-based diagnostics of dementia

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is gaining relevance for the diagnosis of dementia syndromes. It helps to identify potentially curable causes but also provides positive predictive value to the diagnosis of specific types of dementia. T1-weighted sequences aid in the assessment of atrophy while FLAIR and T2*-weighing provides information on white matter hyperintensities and microbleeds. In context of clinical studies of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), MRI has proven to be a valuable marker of disease progression. MRI is highly correlated with the underlying pathophysiology of AD but also with the level of cognitive impairment. Functional MRI, diffusion weighted sequences and Arterial Spin Labelling are among those currently being assessed for a future integration into clinical routine given that they are complementary to standard sequences.