Applications of Resting-State Functional Connectivity to Neurodegenerative Disease

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases target specific large-scale neuronal networks, leading to distinct behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMR imaging)-based functional connectivity method maps symptoms-associated functional network deterioration in vivo. This article summarizes accumulating functional connectivity findings supporting the network-based neurodegeneration hypothesis. Understanding of disease mechanism can further guide early detection and predictions of disease progression and inform development of more effective treatment. With better clinical phenotyping and larger samples across multiple sites, we discuss several possible future directions to further develop rsfMR imaging-based functional connectivity methods into scientifically and clinically useful assays for neurodegenerative disorders.

Keywords: Alzheimer disease; Amyloid beta; Frontotemporal dementia; Functional connectivity; Mild cognitive impairment; Neurodegenerative disease; Resting-state fMR imaging; Risk factors.