Network analysis and the connectopathies: current research and future approaches

Abstract

Complex network analysis has been applied to capture the structure and functional dynamics of the brain. These studies have revealed normal and abnormal network topologies. Network differences are observed in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Schizophrenia, Depression and ADHD. Such findings suggest that a number of different pathologies have sufficiently similar features that the term 'connectopathies' has been introduced to describe these common topological characteristics. This paper examines the evidence for network properties and failures found in certain disorders, concluding with a brief discussion of maps and the Human Connectome Project's value to understanding brain disorders and dynamics.