The connectomics of Alzheimer's risk: characterising brain temporal network dynamics in young adults at increased genetic risk for late-onset Alzhe

使用先进的成像和新的数学方法，我们将确定时空大脑网络，这些网络在具有阿尔茨海默病遗传风险的年轻人中显示出改变的动力学。博士学位将提供网络神经科学的基础-一个不断发展的领域，使用网络理论来研究大脑在多个尺度和模式。为了减少神经退行性疾病中认知能力下降的负担，一个关键的挑战是了解遗传对临床前阶段大脑功能的影响。该博士学位专注于阿尔茨海默病最强的遗传风险因素：APOE基因的4等位基因。我们将在临床症状出现前几十年确定年轻的APOE-4携带者与非携带者相比是否表现出脑网络动力学的选择性变化。年轻APOE-4携带者网络改变的新发现可能有助于在生命早期制定预防性干预措施。

Using advanced imaging and novel mathematical approaches, we will identify spatio-temporal brain networks that show altered dynamics in young adults with genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. The PhD will provide grounding in network neuroscience - an evolving field using network theories to study the brain across multiple scales and modalities.To reduce the burden of cognitive decline in neurodegeneration, a key challenge is to understand genetic influences on brain functions at the preclinical stage. This PhD focuses on the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease: the 4 allele of the APOE gene. We will establish, decades before the onset of clinical symptoms, whether young APOE-4 carriers show selective changes in brain network dynamics compared to non-carriers. Novel findings of network alternations in young APOE-4 carriers could help develop preventative interventions in early life.