Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
08:43
Application of Granger Causality Analysis of the Directed Functional Connection in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: August 7, 2017
8.5K
Charting Frontotemporal Dementia: From Genes to Networks.
Massimo Filippi1,2, Federica Agosta1, Pilar M Ferraro1
1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
Summary
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) involves brain network changes. Neuroimaging studies reveal how these connectivity disorders impact symptomatic patients and asymptomatic gene carriers, aiding early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Neurology
Background:
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous syndrome affecting behavior, language, and motor functions, linked to frontal and temporal lobe degeneration.
- Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) describes the proteinopathies underlying clinical FTD.
- Network-based neuroimaging suggests large-scale brain networks are involved in FTD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on FTD syndromes as connectivity disorders.
- To examine genotype-specific changes in asymptomatic FTD gene mutation carriers.
- To explore the role of brain network breakdown in FTD diagnosis and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of network-based neuroimaging studies (resting state fMRI, diffusion tensor MRI).
- Analysis of symptomatic FTD patients.
- Examination of asymptomatic carriers of FTD-related gene mutations.
Main Results:
- Emerging evidence implicates specific large-scale brain networks in FTD pathogenesis.
- FTD syndromes can be understood as connectivity disorders.
- Genotype-specific changes are observed in asymptomatic carriers.
Conclusions:
- Brain network breakdown is central to FTD.
- Neuroimaging characterization of network changes may aid in early diagnosis.
- Understanding connectivity disorders could help prevent the impact of FTD.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Dementia
702
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
702
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
2.0K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
2.0K