Brain MRI that spots inflammation — what it means for you

Credibility

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Key Takeaway

A type of MRI (QSM) may show brain changes linked to inflammation, not just protein build-up, which could help understand and track inflammation-related brain damage.

What They Found

Researchers used a special MRI method called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) to measure how much certain substances that affect magnetic signals build up in the brain. They found higher QSM signals in brain areas often affected by Alzheimer’s disease (like the posterior cingulate, precuneus, and parts of the basal ganglia) compared with similar-aged people without disease. Over two years, some areas showed increasing QSM in people with mild memory problems and dementia, suggesting changes grow with time. The QSM measurements were linked to several blood and spinal fluid markers of inflammation, for example proteins that tell the immune system to turn on or communicate. But QSM was not linked to the usual Alzheimer’s proteins (amyloid and tau), suggesting QSM is picking up inflammation-related changes, not the classic protein clumps.

Who Should Care and Why

People with MS and their caregivers should care because MS is also an inflammatory brain disease, and methods that show inflammation in the brain can help track disease activity, like checking the temperature of a fire to see if flames are growing. Doctors and researchers could use QSM as another tool to see where inflammation is happening, which might help decide or adjust treatments. Caregivers might find this useful because clearer imaging of inflammation could explain new or changing symptoms (for example, new weakness or trouble thinking) and help guide conversations with the care team. MS patients in clinical trials could benefit if QSM helps measure whether an anti-inflammatory treatment is working in the brain. Lastly, this finding reminds patients and families that not all brain changes are from long-term scarring—some are from ongoing inflammation that might be monitored or treated.

Important Considerations

This study was done in people across the Alzheimer’s spectrum, not in MS patients, so we can’t assume QSM works the same way in MS without more research. QSM shows substances that change magnetic signals and links to inflammatory proteins, but it doesn’t identify the exact cause or say which treatment will help. Also, changes seen over two years were modest and need more study to know how well QSM predicts symptoms or treatment response in everyday clinical care.

Categories:

Early Research MS Diagnostics MS Progression

Article Topics:

Alzheimer’s diseaseQSMbrain’ susceptibilityimmune biomarkersneuroinflammation

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Journal of cerebral blood flow and metabolism : official journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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