Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration: Insights from Advanced MRI and PET

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a significant challenge in medical science, impacting millions globally. Despite advancements in diagnostic technology, the complex interplay of factors such as neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and the accumulation of cellular byproducts complicates our understanding of these disorders. Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for unraveling these complexities, offering insights into disease mechanisms, progression, and potential therapeutic avenues. Yet, the dynamic nature of neurodegenerative pathology, involving changes like protein plaque build-up and microvascular disruptions, poses unique challenges for imaging studies.

This Research Topic aims to shift the focus from isolated studies of neuronal damage or inflammation to a more integrative examination of the interactions between neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. By exploring this interplay, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted pathology underlying neurodegenerative disorders and to enhance the precision of imaging techniques in capturing these intricate processes.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are the leading imaging modalities for studying neurodegenerative disorders, providing essential insights into local tissue degradation and visualization of biomarkers linked to neuroinflammation. Given their ability to capture these key aspects, MRI and PET are the preferred imaging techniques for this research topic.

To gather further insights into this complex interplay, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

1. Multimodal imaging approaches to study neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes
2. Longitudinal imaging studies tracking neurodegeneration and inflammation
3. Comparative analyses of imaging techniques in different neurodegenerative conditions
4. Technological advancements in imaging for better visualization of neurodegeneration
5. Clinical trials employing imaging to assess treatment impacts on neuroinflammation and degeneration

We invite submissions such as Original Research, Review, Perspective, and Methods articles, including clinical and animal studies, that use imaging to explore the neuroinflammatory-neurodegenerative connection. Submissions must adhere to our journal’s formatting and ethical standards, provide detailed methodology to ensure reproducibility, and clearly demonstrate how imaging techniques contribute to our understanding of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.