Imaging Templates

We have developed several merged, younger/older adult DTI and fMRI templates. These templates are available for download below for researchers interested in using them. Our merged templates may be useful for studies of aging because they integrate morphological features of both younger and older adults. As such, they may improve registration, better control for volumetric differences and improve measurement accuracy compared to younger-only templates. We have demonstrated the utility of the templates for studies of aging and preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the papers described below. Our currently available templates are:

The Fornix_FMRIB_FA1mm Template

The Fornix_FMRIB_FA1mm is a merged younger-older DTI template that covers the large majority of the fornix. It was validated for use with the FSL’s TBSS pipeline. Usage with other software programs may be possible but has not been validated.

If you use the template, please cite the following reference:

Brown CA, Johnson NF, Anderson-Mooney AJ, Jicha GA, Shaw LM Trojanowski JQ, Van Eldik LJ, Schmitt FA, Smith CD, & Gold BT (2017). Development, validation and application of a new fornix template for studies of aging and preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. NeuroImage: Clinical, 13; 106-115.

Executive Control Network (ECN) and Default Mode Network (DMN) fMRI Templates

Functional ECN and DMN regions were identified using ICA on both task- and rs-fMRI. The task-fMRI components were masked by the corresponding rs-fMRI components to create a template of regions showing activation/deactivation during the task and connectivity at rest. The ECN functional template includes bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), frontal eye fields (FEF), lateral parietal cortices (LPC), and middle temporal gyri (MTG). The DMN functional template includes the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/pC), ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dMPFC), lateral temporal cortices (LTC), lateral parietal/occipital cortices (LPC/LOC), and portions of the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus (HC/PHG). 

Executive Control Network (ECN) and Default Mode Network (DMN) DTI Templates

The ECN template consists of WM pathways connecting ECN functional regions (i.e. activations) within the same participants (i.e. the functional regions in the ECN fMRI template described above) and includes portions of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), corpus callosum genu (CC-Genu), corpus callosum splenium, and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. The DMN white matter (WM) DTI template consists of WM pathways connecting DMN functional regions (i.e. deactivations) within the same participants (i.e. the functional regions in the DMN fMRI template described above) and includes portions of the cingulum, SLF, ILF, fornix, CC-Genu, and corpus callosum splenium. 

If you use these ECN or DMN templates, please cite the following references:

Brown CA, Jiang Y, Smith CD & Gold BT (2018). Age and Alzheimer's pathology disrupt default mode network functioning via alterations in white matter microstructure but not hyperintensities. Cortex 104: 58-74.

Brown CA, Schmitt FA, Smith CD & Gold BT. Distinct Patterns of Default Mode and Executive Control Network Circuitry Contribute to Present and Future Executive Function in Older Adults. (2019). Neuroimage 195: 320-332.

Placeholder for Imaging template files