Role of brain iron and microbleeds in cognitive and physical function in a population-based study on aging: A deep-learning approach

The main aim of the project is to characterize the contribution of iron load in small brain nuclei that have been largely neglected in the past (substantia nigra, subthalamic nucleus, red nucleus, dentate nucleus, mammillary bodies), and cerebral microbleeds, to age-related cognitive and physical decline. The target population is a subsample of the well-characterized SNAC-K study (Swedish National study on Aging and Care – Kungsholmen), who is undergoing an extensive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) assessment (N = 560, age > 60 years). A key aspect of the project is the development of advanced deep-learning methods to automatically assess these neuroimaging markers.

Co-applicants

Farshad Falahati, Giulia Grande, Erika Jonsson Laukka, Laura Fratiglioni, Anna-Karin Welmer (NVS, Division of Physiotherapy)