Study Overview: This study focuses on children aged 8-18 with and without Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), which affects how oxygen is carried in the body and can cause damage to blood vessels. The research aims to use special imaging techniques to monitor brain health and blood flow, helping to determine the effectiveness of SCD treatments like transfusions or gene therapy. Study Techniques: The study will use a type of brain imaging called MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and an advanced light-based technique called FDNIRS-DCS (Frequency-Domain Near-Infrared and Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopies). These methods help measure brain blood flow, oxygen usage, and how well blood vessels respond to changes. Key Points:

• Participants are grouped: healthy controls, untreated SCD patients, and those who had gene therapy or receive regular transfusions.
• Exclusions include those with metal implants, pregnant women, and those needing sedation for MRI.
• Results may help tailor future SCD treatments and assess individual responses.

This research holds promise for advancing SCD treatment by providing a better understanding of how therapies affect brain oxygenation and vessel function.