Advancements in Neuroimaging Techniques for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Abstract: Advancements in neuroimaging techniques have significantly contributed to the early diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in neuroimaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, for the early detection of AD pathology. High-resolution structural MRI enables the visualization of hippocampal atrophy and cortical thinning, key biomarkers of AD-related neurodegeneration. PET imaging with radiotracers targeting amyloid-beta and tau protein aggregates allows for the detection of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively, in the brain, facilitating early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of AD. Furthermore, CSF biomarkers, such as amyloid-beta 42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau, provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular pathology of AD and aid in disease staging and prognosis. Integration of multimodal neuroimaging approaches and machine learning algorithms holds promise for improving the accuracy and predictive value of AD diagnosis, enabling personalized treatment strategies and early intervention to delay disease progression. This review highlights the transformative impact of neuroimaging techniques in facilitating early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy in AD, ultimately enhancing patient care and clinical outcomes.