Neurofunctional reorganization and memory improvements induced by rivastigmine in Alzheimer's disease are mediated by α4β2 nicotinic receptor density

Rivastigmine treatment induced FC changes in frontal and occipito-cerebellar areas in patients with prodromal to mild AD that were associated with long-term memory performance improvements over 12 weeks. These rivastigmine-induced effects on resting-state brain activity and the mediating role of the α4β2 nicotinic receptor for acetylcholine are in line with previous findings. Neurotransmitter-related FC can be an MRI biomarker sensitive to test mechanisms of actions and to track neuroplastic changes induced by pharmacological treatments targeting specific neurotransmitter systems in people with AD.