Clinical applications of the functional connectome

Massimo Filippi, Maria A. Rocca

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

Network-based analysis of brain functional connections has provided a novel instrument to study the human brain in healthy and diseased individuals. Graph theory provides a powerful tool to describe quantitatively the topological organization of brain connectivity. Using such a framework, the brain can be depicted as a set of nodes connected by edges. Distinct modifications of brain network topology have been identified during development and normal aging, whereas disrupted functional connectivity has been associated to several neurological and psychiatric conditions, including multiple sclerosis, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and schizophrenia. Such an assessment has contributed to explain part of the clinical manifestations usually observed in these patients, including disability and cognitive impairment. Future network-based research might reveal different stages of the different diseases, subtypes for cognitive impairments, and connectivity profiles associated with different clinical outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNeuromethods
PublisherHumana Press Inc.
Pages893-903
Number of pages11
Volume119
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sep 1 2016

Publication series

NameNeuromethods
Volume119
ISSN (Print)08932336
ISSN (Electronic)19406045

Keywords

  • Brain networks
  • Dementias
  • Functional connectivity
  • Graph theory
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Psychiatric conditions
  • Structural connectivity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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