Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an imaging technique closely related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that allows non-invasive measurement of tissue chemistry and metabolism in vivo. One important application of MRS is in the human brain, where few alternative methods for neurochemical/metabolic measurement are available. MRS has demonstrated clinical value in several brain conditions, including the diagnosis and staging of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and creatine deficiency disorder. But beyond its clinical value, MRS has tremendous potential as a research tool. In the context of neuropsychological research, MRS provides an important tool to help understand how neurochemistry and metabolism are associated with everyday cognitive functions including sensory and motor function, perception, memory, decision making, and mood. In this educational workshop, I will focus on magnetic resonance spectroscopy and its use in neuropsychology research. I will begin by introducing the basics of how MRS data are collected, processed, and analyzed I will discuss the advantages of MRS as well as its limitations. Finally, I will provide a selected summary of current literature involving the use of MRS in neuropsychological research. Upon conclusion of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Describe how magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments are conducted, including methods of data acquisition, processing, analysis and interpretation.
2. List examples from recent literature of how MRS has been used in neuropsychological research.
3. Apply and devise new experiments involving the use of MRS for neuropsychological research.