Topological Changes in Brain Networks in Subjective Cognitive Decline: Associations with Amyloid Staging and Network Adaptation

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is characterized by persistent self-reported cognitive decline in older individuals who perform within normal limits on standardized neuropsychological assessments (Jessen et al. , 2014). According to current consensus criteria, SCD represents an elevated risk state for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although not all individuals with SCD will ultimately progress to dementia and the condition exhibits significant heterogeneity, this population has an increased likelihood of future cognitive decline and conversion to AD (Jessen et al. , 2020). Neuroimaging investigations have begun to elucidate the neural substrates of SCD by revealing alterations in brain function and structure (Verfaillie et al. , 2018; Yan et al. , 2018; Tao et al. , 2025). Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) studies have identified altered connectivity patterns, particularly within the default mode network (DMN) —a large-scale network known to exhibit early vulnerability in AD (Verfaillie et al. , 2018; Tao et al. , 2025). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) research has revealed disruptions in white matter structural network topology, especially affecting the “rich-club” organization—a core set of highly interconnected hubs that facilitate efficient global brain communication (Yan et al. , 2018). The deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ), a cardinal pathological hallmark of AD, presents additional complexity in individuals with SCD. While a subset of this population harbors detectable Aβ pathology (Vogel et al. , 2021), the relationship between Aβ burden and brain connectivity metrics remains poorly understood, underscoring the need for more sophisticated analytical frameworks to capture the dynamic interplay between pathological progression and network adaptation. A comprehensive, multimodal investigation by Jiang et al. (2025) addresses this need by examining topological changes in brain networks in people with SCD and the associations of these changes with progressive stages of Aβ deposition. The researchers used graph theoretical analysis—a mathematical framework that models the brain as a complex … Correspondence should be addressed to Jiawei Zhao at psyzhaoatmail. bnu. edu. cn.