ABSTRACT
References 116
Neuroimaging offers a window into the living brain and thus provides unique access to understanding both normal and pathological processes associated with ageing. Structural imaging has diagnostic, and to some extent prognostic, value in dementia (see Chapter 11, Structural brain imaging). This chapter reviews the literature on functional imaging in dementia and also considers new methods for looking at both structural and functional connectivity in the brain. It explores whether these techniques, some of which are novel but some of which have been used for several decades, have added to our understanding of pathological ageing. In particular we will focus on whether any of the myriad of imaging acquisition and analysis techniques can be considered biomarkers, i.e. aid the clinician in diagnosis, prognosis or evaluating treatments.
