Automated workflow for spatial alignment of multimodal MR image acquisitions in a longitudinal study of cognitive aging

In this application-oriented investigation we describe a framework and the challenges of registering multimodal brain MR images from a cohort of more than hundred subjects. Image examinations are done three years apart and consist of 3D high-resolution anatomical images, low-resolution tensor-valued DTI recordings and 4D resting state fMRI time series. The registration procedures are incorporated in multi-subject statistical analyses, combining image-derived information with cognitive test results and genotypes. Due to the large number of subjects an automated and time-efficient workflow (e.g. scripting) is strongly desired, putting constraints on the registration methods.