High b value q-space-analyzed diffusion MRI in vascular dementia: A preliminary study

High b value diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (high-b DWI) was used to characterize white matter changes in the brain of patients with vascular dementia (VaD). Hyperintense white matter areas detected by T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represent lesions, also termed leukoaraiosis that are very common in VaD as well as in other types of dementia. Therefore, the role of white matter changes in the cognitive and memory decline that occurs in VaD patients is still under debate. High-b DWI, analyzed using the q-space approach, is a more sensitive MRI method for detection of white matter changes. High-b DWI revealed massive white matter loss in VaD patients that surpassed the boundaries of T2 hyperintensities. This technique, therefore, might serve as a better indication for the extensive nerve fiber loss in the white matter that is caused by vascular disease

Animal Models of Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Up to 80% of strokes are ischemic and take place due to occlusion of major cerebral arteries or its branches. The pathophysiology of stroke is multifaceted, involving excitotoxicity and activation of inflammatory pathways leading to disturbances in ion channels, oxidative damage, and apoptosis. Thrombolytics are the only FDA-approved drug for ischemic stroke. In order to study the pathophysiology, development of a reliable and reproducible model of ischemic stroke is of great importance. The ideal animal model is the one which can mimic the features of the pathology. This chapter summarizes the models of ischemic stroke with its advantages and limitations