Resting-state global brain activity affects early β-amyloid accumulation in default mode network

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Alzheimer's Disease Research
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, particularly in the default mode network (DMN).
• The reasons for early Aβ deposition in the DMN remain unclear.
• Resting-state global brain activity, especially low-frequency (<0.1 Hz), has been linked to AD and may influence glymphatic clearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between early Aβ plaque accumulation in the DMN and resting-state global brain activity in Alzheimer's disease.
• To explore the potential mechanisms, such as wave propagation, linking brain activity and Aβ deposition.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Aβ plaque distribution in the cortex, focusing on the DMN.
• Measurement of resting-state low-frequency global brain activity.
• Correlation analysis between Aβ deposition and brain activity patterns.
• Modeling of wave propagation in the brain.

Main Results:

• Preferential accumulation of Aβ plaques in the DMN during early AD pathology was observed.
• This Aβ deposition was associated with a corresponding preferential reduction in global brain activity within the DMN.
• Impaired propagation of brain activity waves to these regions was identified as a potential contributing factor.

Conclusions:

• Resting-state global brain activity plays a significant role in the early, preferential deposition of Aβ in the DMN.
• Reduced brain activity and impaired wave propagation may contribute to the localized Aβ accumulation seen in early Alzheimer's disease.