Specificity of functional network connectivity during the AD prodromal phase in mild cognitive impairment

Weiqing Li1, Ze Feng1, Bingyuan Chu1

  • 1Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.

Frontiers in Psychiatry
|February 2, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) shows distinct brain network connectivity differences compared to non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). These findings help predict Alzheimer's disease progression and understand its neurological basis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Medical Imaging
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Understanding why amnestic MCI (aMCI) progresses to AD more readily than non-amnestic MCI (naMCI) is crucial.
  • Investigating functional connectivity (FC) differences may reveal predictive markers for AD progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare intra- and inter-network functional connectivity (FC) between aMCI and naMCI.
  • To identify specific brain networks involved in the progression from aMCI to AD.
  • To correlate FC alterations with cognitive assessment scores for predictive value.

Main Methods:

  • Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was used.
  • Independent component analysis (ICA) identified 12 resting-state networks (RSNs).
  • Two-sample t-tests and functional network connectivity (FNC) analyses compared intra- and inter-network FC; correlation analyses linked FC to cognitive scores.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in intra-network FC were found in the Default Mode Network (DMN), Dorsal Attention Network (DAN), Sensorimotor System (SMN), and Salience Network (SN) in aMCI versus naMCI.
  • Inter-network FC differences were observed between DAN-DMN, DMN-SN, and SN-SMN.
  • These widespread FC alterations were statistically significant after correction.

Conclusions:

  • aMCI exhibits widespread intra- and inter-network FC differences compared to naMCI, particularly involving the DMN, DAN, SMN, and SN.
  • These network interactions offer insights into why aMCI is more prone to AD progression.
  • The findings contribute to understanding the neurological mechanisms underlying AD pathology.

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