Advances in Neuroimaging for Neurodegenerative Disease

Abstract

This chapter is intended as a primer to the most widely used neuroimaging methods available in the prediction, diagnosis and monitoring of the neurodegenerative diseases. We describe the imaging methods that allow us to examine brain structure, function and pathology and investigate neurodegenerative mechanisms in vivo. We describe methods to interrogate brain structure with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and brain function with molecular imaging, functional MRI and electro- and magneto-encephalography. We highlight the major neuroimaging advances, including brain stimulation and connectomics, which have brought new insights into a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases and describe some of the challenges in imaging clinical populations. Finally, we discuss the future of neuroimaging in neurodegenerative disease and its potential for generating predictive, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Electrochemical Biosensor for Point-of-Care Testing of Low-Abundance Biomarkers of Neurological Diseases

“…However, given the absence of efficacious treatments for such conditions, early diagnosis assumes paramount importance for preventive measures. The main diagnostic method commonly used today is neuroimaging, but it is less accurate. − In addition to neuroimaging techniques, the diagnostic accuracy can be improved by detecting biomarkers of nerve damage. Nevertheless, the clinical application of neurodegenerative disease detection methods faces urgent challenges in validating and standardizing biomarkers in early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response contexts.…”

The contribution of brain banks to knowledge discovery in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review

“…17 Over the last two decades, there has been an expansion of in vivo techniques to identify structural and function brain changes across the spectrum of ALS, such as position emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. 18,19 However, a significant limitation of these techniques is their inability to provide the resolution needed to assess the cellular and molecular architecture of disease within the brain and spinal cord. As such, analysis of postmortem tissues continues to be an important research tool in identifying disease mechanisms.…”

“…From a total of 1439 articles, 73 articles were included in the final review, following PRISMA guidelines. Following a thematic analysis, articles were categorised into five themes; clinico-pathological (13), genetic (20), transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology ( 12), non-TDP-43 neuronal pathology (nine) and extraneuronal pathology (19)…”