LAUSR

Dementia, for which there is no cure or effective treatment, is the leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Due to the high global prevalence and economic impact on families, caregivers, and communities, this condition represents one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. Dementia is an umbrella term describing a range of progressive neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is the most common cause of cognitive and functional impairment among older adults. The presence of misfolded protein aggregates characterizes neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau in AD). Stemming from this, advancements in the molecular imaging field paved the way to new experimental AD treatments targeting Aβ. However, the results have been disappointing so far, and there is an ongoing debate about the emerging role and efficacy of anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies (Musiek and Bennett, 2021), stressing the need for alternative biomarkers to guide new, effective preventive, and therapeutic interventions. Here, we report recent advancements in the field of functional connectivity in AD, underscoring the link with the underlying molecular pathology. We then discuss the meaning of the interplay between AD phenotypes, disease stage, and brain stimulation interventions.