White Matter Hyperintensities in Alzheimer’s Disease: Pathogenesis, Clinical Impact, and Therapeutic Opportunities

White Matter Hyperintensities (WMHs) on MRI are crucial neuroimaging biomarkers prevalent in aging-associated cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias. They have shown a strong correlation with cognitive decline and the progression of AD. Despite their prevalence, the molecular mechanisms that connect WMHs to the pathology of AD, along with their specific regional manifestations and potentials as therapeutic targets, have yet to be fully elucidated. Current research focuses on understanding these nuances and addressing existing gaps, especially regarding the integration of WMHs with AD diagnostics and therapeutics.

This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding of WMHs within the context of AD and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias. By exploring their etiology, which encompasses vascular dysfunction, inflammation, impaired proteostasis, and neurodegeneration, this collection seeks to uncover how these factors contribute to disease development. Researchers are also tasked with investigating advancements in neuroimaging and biomarker development in MRI and other modalities such as PET, which can improve clinical correlations and identify emerging therapeutic strategies. Prominent questions include examining novel molecular pathways, spatial and longitudinal imaging techniques, and understanding the relationship between WMHs, cognitive decline, and other neurodegenerative conditions.

To gather further insights into the complex interplay between WMHs and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

1. Molecular mechanisms underlying WMHs in AD
2. Advances in neuroimaging techniques for better WMH quantification and visualization
3. WMHs as potential biomarkers for early AD detection
4. Relationship between vascular dysfunction and WMH severity
5. Development of targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate WMH impact
6. Investigating regional specificity, spatial distribution, and cognitive correlates

We encourage submissions that encompass original research, reviews, and perspectives that can shed light on these vital aspects of neurodegenerative research.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: alzheimer's disease, white matter hyperintensities, neurodegenerative pathologies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.