Tracking neuronal and cardiovascular impulses in MR-encephalography
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Auditorium IT115, Linnanmaa campus
Topic of the dissertation
Tracking neuronal and cardiovascular impulses in MR-encephalography
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science (Technology) Zalan Rajna
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Center for Machine Vision and Signal Analysis
Subject of study
Computer Science and Engineering
Opponent
Professor Jussi Tohka, University of Eastern Finland
Custos
Professor Tapio Seppänen, University of Oulu
Cardiovascular health supports intact cognition
The heart or the mind first? Although the debate between Pythagoras and Aristotle over whether the heart or the brain governs the human body is long behind us, the interplay between these two organs remains relevant to this day. This thesis compiles research using rapid brain imaging and finds that heart-driven brain pulsations are altered in Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
The main scientific contribution of this study is the development of new analysis methods to allow non-invasive, contrast free measurement of neurofluid flow using ultrafast functional magnetic resonance imaging. These include distinguishing neuronal events from repetitive neurofluidic signals like those from breathing and heartbeat; tracking how fast cardiovascular impulses move through the brain; and identifying changes linked to Alzheimer's disease. Cardiovascular pulsations drive the removal of waste from the brain, which is of vital importance for maintaining brain health and intact cognition. This study is the first to show how heart-driven brain pulsations change in both speed and direction in Alzheimer's disease, enabling the mapping of impaired brain waste clearance in this most common form of dementia.
Many questions about dementia remain unanswered to this day. Still, this thesis makes an important contribution to our understanding how cardiovascular health may affect cognition.
The main scientific contribution of this study is the development of new analysis methods to allow non-invasive, contrast free measurement of neurofluid flow using ultrafast functional magnetic resonance imaging. These include distinguishing neuronal events from repetitive neurofluidic signals like those from breathing and heartbeat; tracking how fast cardiovascular impulses move through the brain; and identifying changes linked to Alzheimer's disease. Cardiovascular pulsations drive the removal of waste from the brain, which is of vital importance for maintaining brain health and intact cognition. This study is the first to show how heart-driven brain pulsations change in both speed and direction in Alzheimer's disease, enabling the mapping of impaired brain waste clearance in this most common form of dementia.
Many questions about dementia remain unanswered to this day. Still, this thesis makes an important contribution to our understanding how cardiovascular health may affect cognition.
Last updated: 17.6.2025