Glymphatic System Analysis via Diffusion MRI

The brain’s glymphatic system is a glial-dependent waste-clearance pathway that helps remove metabolic byproducts and distribute fluids throughout the central nervous system. Its activity influences brain health and has been linked to aging and neurodegenerative disease processes.

This whitepaper explains how diffusion MRI, specifically diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS), can be used as a non-invasive imaging method to assess glymphatic system function. It describes why the glymphatic system matters, how diffusivity measurements reflect its performance, and how this imaging approach may reveal meaningful differences in brain health and disease.