MRI sequences for dementia evaluations

Routine
Sequence	Purpose
1. 3D T1-weighted gradient echo or contiguously sliced oblique coronal T1	Visualize anatomy, atrophy patterns
2. T2-weighted with fluid attenuation (FLAIR)	Vascular, infectious, and other structural pathology
3. Diffusion tensor or diffusion weighted	Recent ischemic changes, hydrocephalus
4. Spoiled gradient recall echo or other susceptibility weighted	Microhemorrhage
Supplemental sequences
5. Postcontrast T1	Demyelinating lesions, infections, neoplasms and vascular malformations
6. Phase contrast	CSF flow
7. Arterial spin label (ASL)	Regional cerebral perfusion
8. Magnetic resonance angiogram	Large vessel integrity
9. Resting state function MRI	Assessing resting network or functional systems

MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; CSF: cerebrospinal fluid.

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