title: Brain networks stimulation in dementia: insights from functional imaging.
abstract: Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is increasingly used in the field of dementia as a therapeutic option; however, evidence of clinical efficacy is limited, and the mechanism of action remains unknown. This review summarizes how functional imaging could contribute to the design of targeted and effective NIBS interventions for dementia.
  
  
  
  Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has largely contributed to understanding brain dysfunction in dementia by identifying disease-specific networks. Resting-state fMRI might inform on a number of factors critical for the conduction of effective NIBS trials, such as definition of stimulation paradigms and choice of the stimulation target. In addition, fMRI may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of action of NIBS, and provide a tool to monitor treatment efficacy.
  
  
  
  Functional imaging is a promising approach for the development of hypothesis-driven, targeted stimulation approaches in the field of dementia.
authors.affiliation: aLaboratory Alzheimer's Neuroimaging and Epidemiology, IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli bDepartment of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia cIRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli, Brescia dInstitute for Advanced Study-IUSS Pavia, Pavia, Italy eUniversity Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pievani
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pini
authors.forename: Stefano F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Cappa
authors.forename: Giovanni B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Frisoni
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003704:Dementia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome