In this study, hyperpolarized 13C MRI was used to investigate age-related changes to lactate and bicarbonate production in the brain in a healthy aging population. A whole-brain parcellation method was used to investigate regional changes. A global reduction in the production of both 13C-lactate and 13C-bicarbonate was observed vs. age, with certain regions showing increased rates of change in comparison to the rest of the brain. Our results suggest an age-related change in the underlying metabolic processes, and paves the way for future analysis of pathological aging as seen in disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
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