Longitudinal changes in periodic and aperiodic brain activity in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease
Description: Alzheimer's disease pathology begins to accumulate years before symptom onset, yet the mechanisms linking amyloid and tau accumulation to early alterations in brain function and cognition remain poorly understood. This project investigates how Alzheimer's disease-related pathology affects neurophysiology and cognition in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Building on the well-characterized Flemish Prevent AD Cohort KU Leuven (F-PACK), we will combine high-density electroencephalography (EEG), PET imaging of amyloid and tau, and detailed cognitive assessments in a longitudinal design. Using advanced analytical methods, we will separate periodic and aperiodic components of the EEG signal to examine how the excitation-inhibition balance and functional connectivity change with pathology accumulation. Furthermore, we will assess whether EEG-derived measures, alone or in combination with PET markers, predict cognitive decline. By linking neurophysiology, molecular pathology, and cognition over time, this project aims to provide new insight on the mechanisms linking molecular pathology to early functional and cognitive changes in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
Funder: Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
Funding type: fellowship
Funder scheme: FWO junior postdoctoral fellowship
Start date: 2026-10-01
End date: 2029-09-30
Investigators: Tjaša Mlinarič, Patrick Dupont
Institution: KULeuven
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 1267627N
OpenAlex ID: G1112123607