What is it about?
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) can provide groundbreaking insights into brain network functions and treatment efficacy in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) drug trials. AD drugs showed significant positive effects on brain functional activity, especially within the default mode network. These fMRI changes due to drug intake were linked to improved performance of cognitive tasks and global cognition.
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Why is it important?
AD is a neurodegenerative pathology that leads to cognitive decline and dementia, particularly in older adults. AD disrupts brain structure and function with neurotoxic substances like amyloid-beta plaques, which is a primary pathological marker. Pharmacotherapeutic trials targeting amyloid-beta and other AD pathological features aim to slow disease progression. As a non-invasive tool, functional MRI can effectively visualise brain functional activities, helping evaluate the efficacy of AD drugs before, during, and after the intake of treatment drugs.
Perspectives
fMRI has shown its exceptional ability to effectively monitor treatment trials for Alzheimer's Disease. However, the widespread use of this powerful tool is limited by its high cost and the requirement for technical expertise, which are necessary for routine clinical application. On a positive note, researchers are exploring ways to address these challenges.
Dr Mohammed Alghamdi
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Trials: A Mini-Review, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, October 2024, IOS Press,
DOI: 10.3233/jad-231276.
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