Integrating Neuroimaging Measures in Nursing Research

Abstract

Background Medical and scientific advancement worldwide has led to a longer lifespan. With the population aging comes the risk of developing cognitive decline. The incorporation of neuroimaging measures in evaluating cognitive changes is limited in nursing research. The aim of this review is to introduce nurse scientists to neuroimaging measures employed to assess the association between brain and cognitive changes. Methods Relevant literature was identified by searching CINAHL, Web of Science, and PubMed databases using the following keywords: “neuroimaging measures,” “aging,” “cognition,” “qualitative scoring,” “cognitive ability,” “molecular,” “structural,” and “functional.” Results Neuroimaging measures can be categorized into structural, functional, and molecular imaging approaches. The structural imaging technique visualizes the anatomical regions of the brain. Visual examination and volumetric segmentation of select structural sequences extract information such as white matter hyperintensities and cerebral atrophy. Functional imaging techniques evaluate brain regions and underlying processes using blood-oxygen-dependent signals. Molecular imaging technique is the real-time visualization of biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels in a given region. Examples of biological measures associated with neurodegeneration include decreased glutamine level, elevated total choline, and elevated Myo-inositol. Discussion Nursing is at the forefront of addressing upstream factors impacting health outcomes across a lifespan of a population at increased risk of progressive cognitive decline. Nurse researchers can become more facile in using these measures both in qualitative and quantitative methodology by leveraging previously gathered neuroimaging clinical data for research purposes to better characterize the associations between symptom progression, disease risk, and health outcomes.

Differential Cortical Volume and Surface Morphometry in Youth With Chronic Health Conditions

“…To our knowledge, this study represents a unique, trans-diagnostic characterization of neurodevelopmental markers of childhood-onset CHCs. Results are relevant to nursing practice and research and support a holistic approach to health and well-being in youth with CHCs (Atalla et al, 2020; Figuracion et al, 2023).…”

“…To our knowledge, this study represents a unique, trans-diagnostic characterization of neurodevelopmental markers of childhood-onset CHCs. Results are relevant to nursing practice and research and support a holistic approach to health and well-being in youth with CHCs (Atalla et al, 2020;Figuracion et al, 2023). Following rigorous multiple-comparison correction and multi-site scanner harmonization techniques, we identified group differences in higher-order cortical regions associated with emotion regulation, memory, and decision-making, such as the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and middle temporal gyrus, where CHC youth show lower gray matter structure as compared to TD youth.…”

“…This potential mechanism is further supported by the relationship between chronic stress exposure and susceptibility to psychopathology and impaired cognitive functioning (Hanson et al, 2012), patterns repeatedly identified in youth with CHCs (Compas et al, 2017). Neuroimaging of adolescents with CHCs can facilitate studies examining associations between factors such as chronic stress exposure and health outcomes (Figuracion et al, 2023).…”

“…Nurse researchers are optimally positioned to integrate neurological biomarkers into future studies (Atalla et al, 2020; Figuracion et al, 2023) to identify contributing factors and develop nursing interventions designed to address them. In populations at increased risk of poor health outcomes, such as youth with CHCs, neuroimaging can serve as a biomarker of the biological impact of various exposures over time.…”