MR brain image analysis in dementia: From quantitative imaging biomarkers to ageing brain models and imaging genetics

- Discussing relevance of quantitative MR brain imaging biomarkers in dementia research.
- Discussing steps needed to bring quantitative MR Brain imaging biomarkers to the clinic.
- Discussing the potential of reference data for objective interpretation.
- Discussing the potential of reference data for computer-aided diagnosis.
- Discussing the potential of imaging genetics in dementia research.

MR brain image analysis has constantly been a hot topic research area in medical image analysis over the past two decades. In this article, it is discussed how the field developed from the construction of tools for automatic quantification of brain morphology, function, connectivity and pathology, to creating models of the ageing brain in normal ageing and disease, and tools for integrated analysis of imaging and genetic data. The current and future role of the field in improved understanding of the development of neurodegenerative disease is discussed, and its potential for aiding in early and differential diagnosis and prognosis of different types of dementia. For the latter, the use of reference imaging data and reference models derived from large clinical and population imaging studies, and the application of machine learning techniques on these reference data, are expected to play a key role.

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