Brain functional imaging in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

In this chapter, we summarize the most important methods and techniques of functional brain imaging (FBI) in the context of biomarkers in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (pAD). We analyze putative models of pAD, covering both genetic and clinical aspects of pAD. Studies on cognitively healthy individuals carrying the APOE-ε4 allele and patients with mild cognitive impairment have been included. To address methodologies, studies on metabolism and cerebral perfusion are analyzed. Although perfusion is not part of the criteria for pAD, there is increasing evidence that perfusion imaging techniques, including PET/SPECT methods, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, such as functional MRI (fMRI) and arterial spin labeling (ASL), can be useful for elucidating the underlying pathophysiological changes in pAD. However, metabolic imaging with glucose PET still remains the most established FBI biomarker of pAD.