Resting-state network dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often a precursor to AD dementia.
• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) measures brain activity at rest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the AD literature.
• To examine the consistency of functional connectivity alterations in AD dementia and MCI.
• To assess the utility of rs-fMRI in diagnosing and understanding AD progression.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search and screening.
• Meta-analysis of 34 studies including 1363 participants.
• Multiresolution statistics to assess spatial consistency of findings.

Main Results:

• Consistent functional connectivity alterations identified in default mode, salience, and limbic networks.
• These alterations were observed in AD dementia, MCI, or both.
• A notable focus on the default mode network in existing research.

Conclusions:

• Convergent evidence supports rs-fMRI connectivity as a biomarker for AD.
• Consistent alterations suggest that highly connected brain hubs may be early targets of AD.
• Findings aid in understanding AD pathophysiology and potential diagnostic tools.