Elevation in network dynamics amplifies amyloid-dependent tau pathology

The role of brain network dynamics in relation to amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology across Braak stages remains unclear.

In this cross-sectional study of 216 participants from Translational Biomarkers of Aging and Dementia (TRIAD) cohort, we analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging using a multilayer modularity algorithm to assess brain network dynamics across 10 predefined functional networks, stratified by amyloid and tau positron emission tomography biomarkers and Braak stages.

Switching rates were significantly elevated in Aβ-positive/tau-positive individuals relative to Aβ-negative/tau-negative individuals, and increased progressively with advancing Braak stages. Elevated switching rates were strongly correlated with Aβ and tau burden in dorsal attention network and sensorimotor network, as well as with cognitive severity. Importantly, the interaction between network switching rate and Aβ burden synergistically contributed to accelerated tau accumulation in Braak stage III to V regions.

These findings support the framework that increased network switching may amplify Aβ-related tau load and cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer's disease.