Neuroimaging and Cognitive Testing in Healthy Aging Adults using a Portable Low-Field MRI Scanner and Web-Based Assessment

ABSTRACT Consumer wearables and health monitors, internet-based health and cognitive assessments, and at-home biosample (e.g., saliva and capillary blood) collection kits are increasingly used by public health researchers to recruit and follow large study populations without requiring intensive in-person study visits. In addition to reducing participant time and travel burden, remote and virtual data collection allows individuals who live long distances from a hospital or university research center, have limited time or mobility, or who lack access to transportation to participate. Unfortunately, studies that include magnetic resonance neuroimaging can be particularly burdensome given the infrastructure requirements of 1.5, 3, and 7 Tesla scanners. As a result, they often omit socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged individuals. Portable lower magnetic field strength systems offer the potential to perform neuroimaging at a participant’s home and convenience. In this work, we present the first report of associations between brain morphometry and cognitive performance assessed using a portable low-field MRI “scan van” and an established online assessment (MindCrowd) of paired-associate learning (PAL). In a sample of 67 individuals between 18-93 years of age who were imaged at their home or convenient nearby location, we show expected trends in brain volumes with age and detail associations between learning and memory-related brain region volumes and PAL performance. Results demonstrate the ability to collect reliable neuroimaging and cognitive data outside of traditional imaging research settings with important implications for engaging traditionally underrepresented communities in neuroimaging research. HIGHLIGHTS First demonstration of portable neuroimaging with web-based neurocognitive assessments for routine remote assessment of brain changes associated with aging and age-related cognitive changes. Replication of general brain changes with age and associations with associative learning at low-field strength (64mT) as previously reported at higher routine 1.5T and 3T field strengths. Results: demonstrate the ability to collect reliable remote neuroimaging and cognitive test data with important implications for engaging traditionally underrepresented communities in neuroimaging research.