Advances in neuroimaging in frontotemporal dementia

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Biomarker Development

Background:

• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder with varied neuroanatomical presentations.
• Initial studies focused on frontal and temporal lobe atrophy, but diverse patterns involving other brain regions are now recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review major neuroimaging modalities used in FTD research and clinical practice.
• To highlight insights into FTD onset, evolution, and the utility of imaging as biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Review of current neuroimaging techniques including diffusion tensor imaging, resting-state fMRI, and PET.
• Focus on how these modalities visualize structural/functional connectivity and protein deposition.

Main Results:

• Neuroimaging reveals diverse patterns of atrophy and hypometabolism in FTD.
• Advanced techniques offer insights into structural and functional connectivity alterations and pathological protein deposition.

Conclusions:

• Neuroimaging biomarkers are vital for FTD detection, staging, differential diagnosis, and monitoring progression.
• Validated biomarkers are essential for stratifying patients in clinical trials and evaluating therapeutic efficacy.