Title: Disruption of Functional Brain Networks Across the Continuum of Alzheimer's Disease

Professor Fernando Maestu

Abstract : 

In this seminar I will go through a series of experiments indicating an early disruption of brain networks as the main cause for cognitive impairment in the continuum of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In relatives of AD patients as well as in participants with subjective cognitive complaints we have found an increased phase synchrony (with Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography) between the ACC and the precuneus in correlation with biological markers such as amyloid PET or plasma biomarkers. Longitudinal studies in this population showed a continued increase of this phenomenon. In patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment we have seen that this increased synchrony in the alpha/beta bands correlates negatively with performance in cognitive tests, and predicts who will develop dementia in a time frame of 2.5 years. I will explain the "X" model as a predictive framework based on neurophysiological signals. Whether brain hypersynchrony can be understood as a sign of E/I imbalance will be as well addressed. Finally, I will explain how cognitive training and neuromodulation can help in reducing brain hypersynchrony. Main message: if E/I imbalance is one of the key causes of cognitive impairment in AD more attention to re-establish this balance should be paid at preclinical stages. 

Aix-Marseille Université
INS - Faculté de Médecine, 27, Boulevard Jean Moulin
Marseille, 13005, France