Neurophysiological assessment of neural network plasticity and connectivity: Progress towards early functional biomarkers for disease interception therapies in Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by losses of synapses and connectivity between cortical and subcortical regions. Tau pathology is believed to be initiated much earlier in deeper brainstem networks before any sign of amyloid pathology or clinical cognitive symptoms. Various transgenic animal models have been developed, yet clinical failures have highlighted a clear disconnect in translational research. Longitudinal network connectivity analysis could provide early functional biomarkers for discovery of disease interception therapeutics.