Neuroimaging for early detection and intervention in Alzheimer’s and cognitive disorders

Neuroimaging has revolutionized our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive disorders. These advanced techniques bridge the gap between microscopic brain changes and clinical symptoms. Once focused on large anatomical changes, today's technologies include high-resolution tractography and molecular PET imaging, which visualize white matter connectivity and track proteins like amyloid and tau. By integrating structural, functional, and molecular insights, these tools deepen our understanding of cognitive decline. However, critical gaps remain, necessitating new strategies for optimal integration and application. Protocol harmonization, early detection in preclinical stages, and differentiating Alzheimer's from related dementias are urgent challenges.

This Research Topic aims to intensify the dialogue on transforming conceptual and practical approaches to Alzheimer's and cognitive disorders. We invite exploration of how these technologies—from microstructural visualization to molecular tracking—can be synthesized to create a clearer picture of neurodegenerative progression. By focusing on the timely use of these tools, we aim to enable earlier and more accurate diagnoses, enhance disease monitoring, and optimize patient stratification for personalized therapy. With imaging advancements advancing rapidly, this call seeks contributions that address pressing gaps and opportunities in the field.

We welcome submissions on topics, including, but not limited to:

• Developing and clinically implementing advanced tractography and connectomics for mapping disrupted brain networks.

• Innovating PET imaging with novel ligands and quantitative methods for in vivo tracking of Alzheimer’s pathology.

• Integrating multi-modal imaging techniques, such as combining tractography, functional MRI, and PET, for comprehensive neurodegeneration assessments.

• Applying machine learning and AI to enhance image analysis, biomarker discovery, and personalized prognosis.

• Linking imaging biomarkers with cognitive symptoms and disease progression stages, from healthy aging to Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

• Exploring the role of advanced neuroimaging in clinical decision-making, clinical trials, and personalized treatments.

We invite original research, reviews, and case studies that bridge methodological innovation with clinical application, ultimately fostering progress in detecting, monitoring, and treating Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairments.

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• ... 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
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: neuroimaging, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, MRI, CT, tractography, PET, biomarkers, early detection, neural networks, multi-modal imaging, diagnosis, treatment, pathophysiology, neurodegenerative, cognitive disorders, brain imaging

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.