Exciting networks: multi-modal mapping and modulating network breakdown in early Alzheimers disease

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Cellular, animal and human neuroimaging studies indicate that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with a disruption of neural networks between the medial temporal and parietal regions, underlying the cognitive problems observed. This breakdown is closely associated with the spatial distribution of pathology. To date, few studies have examined whether changing neuronal excitability in these networks could have a positive effect on cognitive functioning in AD, and no study has yet investigated the potential of altering multi-modal network integrity in AD patients by applying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Therefore, we will implement a tDCS intervention in early AD, which is believed to alter neuronal excitability non-invasively. The main aims of the studies proposed in this application are to investigate in elderly subjects and patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early AD 1) the disease associated changes in neural network structure and function 2) the cognitive and physiological effects of tdcs and 3) the effects of tdcs on structural and functional connectivity via multimodal imaging. As prosperity increases, longevity increases, and old age carries the risk of dementia, AD is expected to increase dramatically. To date, AD can neither be successfully prevented nor treated. This poses a world-wide problem to health care, making the need to develop novel treatments urgent. The proposed studies aim at contributing to this issue by furthering our understanding of neural network pathology associated with AD and the modulation thereof.