Impact of Frontotemporal Dementia on the Coupling of Cerebral Energy Metabolism to Neuronal Activity: A hybrid PET/MR study

Motivation: Relationship between cerebral glucose metabolism and functional connectivity is impaired in neurodegenerative disorders, though complexities related to multimodal data requirements have limited investigations to Alzheimer's Goal(s): To investigate the impact of frontotemporal dementia on functional-metabolic coupling within resting state networks. Approach: Hybrid PET/MRI was used to collect data on metabolism (FDG-PET) and connectivity (fMRI) in frontotemporal dementia patients and age-matched healthy controls. Results: Dissociation between metabolism and functional connectivity was observed in resting state networks most associated with frontotemporal dementia Impact: Decoupling of cerebral glucose metabolism and functional connectivity is not limited to Alzheimer's, but evident in other neurodegenerative conditions. This dissociation is most associated with resting state networks impacted by the specific condition.