Overview

• Researchers fitted the extended network diffusion model to tau PET scans from 196 participants spanning early and late mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
• The model demonstrates that brain regions with stronger connectivity to tau-laden areas accumulate pathology more rapidly than isolated regions.
• Through integration of regional gene expression, the team defined four gene classes—network-aligned vulnerability, network-independent vulnerability, network-aligned resilience and network-independent resilience.
• Published July 24 in Brain, the framework offers a validated predictive tool for mapping disease progression and pinpointing intervention targets.
• By drawing on human data, this mathematical approach advances translational research and lays groundwork for precision therapies in Alzheimer’s.