This technology can provide a fundamental building block for studies of functional neuropathology in subjects using functional MR methods. Abnormalities in the neural substrates of attention, language, and memory may be better understood against the backdrop of normal age-dependent trends.
Arterial spin labeling (ASL) functional imaging provides several advantages over BOLDFMRI. Task activation provided by ASL appears to show less inter-subject variability, and ASL contrast shows more stable noise characteristics over the entire frequency spectrum. By combining the aspects of both studies, the resultant information about neurocognitive development is superior to looking at each study alone.