NeuralCipher Research overview
The text below is the source article’s original abstract under a verified reuse license. cc by
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an innovative neuroimaging method that offers several advantages over other commonly used modalities. This narrative review investigated the potential contribution of this method to the study of neurodegenerative disorders. Thirty-four studies involving patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Parkinson's disease (PD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and healthy controls were reviewed. Overall, it was revealed that the prefrontal cortex of individuals with MCI may engage compensatory mechanisms to support declining brain functions. A rightward shift was suggested to compensate for the loss of the left prefrontal capacity in the course of cognitive decline. In parallel, some studies reported the failure of compensatory mechanisms in MCI and early AD; this lack of appropriate hemodynamic responses may serve as an early biomarker of neurodegeneration. One article assessing FTD demonstrated a heterogeneous cortical activation pattern compared to AD, indicating that fNIRS may contribute to the challenging distinction of these conditions. Regarding PD, there was evidence that cognitive resources (especially executive function) were recruited to compensate for locomotor impairments. As for ALS, fNIRS data support the involvement of extra-motor networks in ALS, even in the absence of measurable cognitive impairment.
Scientific assessment
Research question
Assess the question within the original study’s scope.
Methods & sample
Check the source article for study design and sample details.
Key findings
An editorially approved findings summary is not yet published for this record.
Limitations
Generalizability, bias and clinical meaning require separate assessment.
Methods, samples and clinical conclusions are not inferred from bibliographic metadata.