Is brain connectome research the future frontier for subjective cognitive decline? A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: We performed a systematic literature review on Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) in order to examine whether the resemblance of brain connectome and functional connectivity (FC) alterations in SCD with respect to MCI, AD and HC can help us draw conclusions on the progression of SCD to more advanced stages of dementia.

Methods: We searched for studies that used any neuroimaging tool to investigate potential differences/similarities of brain connectome in SCD with respect to HC, MCI, and AD.

Results: Sixteen studies were finally included in the review. Apparent FC connections and disruptions were observed in the white matter, default mode and gray matter networks in SCD with regards to HC, MCI, and AD. Interestingly, more apparent connections in SCD were located over the posterior regions, while an increase of FC over anterior regions was observed as the disease progressed.

Conclusions: Elders with SCD display a significant disruption of the brain network, which in most of the cases is worse than HC across multiple network parameters.

Significance: The present review provides comprehensive and balanced coverage of a timely target research activity around SCD with the intention to identify similarities/differences across patient groups on the basis of brain connectome properties.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Mild cognitive impairment; Network analysis; Neuroimaging; Subjective cognitive decline.