Alzheimer’s disease (AD), referring to a gradual deterioration in cognitive function, including memory loss and impaired thinking skills, has emerged as a substantial worldwide challenge with profound social and economic implications. As the prevalence of AD continues to rise and the population ages, there is an imperative demand for innovative imaging techniques to help improve our understanding of these complex conditions. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging forms a hybrid imaging modality by integrating the high-contrast of optical imaging and deep-penetration of ultrasound imaging. PA imaging enables the visualization and characterization of tissue structures and multifunctional information at high resolution and, has demonstrated promising preliminary results in the study and diagnosis of AD. This review endeavors to offer a thorough overview of the current applications and potential of PA imaging on AD diagnosis and treatment. Firstly, the structural, functional, molecular parameter changes associated with AD-related brain imaging captured by PA imaging will be summarized, shaping the diagnostic standpoint of this review. Then, the therapeutic methods aimed at AD is discussed further. Lastly, the potential solutions and clinical applications to expand the extent of PA imaging into deeper AD scenarios is proposed. While certain aspects might not be fully covered, this mini-review provides valuable insights into AD diagnosis and treatment through the utilization of innovative tissue photothermal effects. We hope that it will spark further exploration in this field, fostering improved and earlier theranostics for AD.

中文翻译：

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阿尔茨海默病之光：从基本见解到临床前研究

阿尔茨海默病（AD）是指认知功能逐渐恶化，包括记忆丧失和思维能力受损，已成为一项重大的世界性挑战，具有深远的社会和经济影响。随着 AD 患病率持续上升和人口老龄化，迫切需要创新的成像技术来帮助提高我们对这些复杂疾病的了解。光声（PA）成像融合了光学成像的高对比度和超声成像的深穿透性，形成了一种混合成像模式。 PA 成像能够以高分辨率对组织结构和多功能信息进行可视化和表征，并在 AD 的研究和诊断中显示出有希望的初步结果。本综述致力于全面概述 PA 成像在 AD 诊断和治疗中的当前应用和潜力。首先，将总结PA成像捕获的AD相关脑成像相关的结构、功能、分子参数变化，从而形成本综述的诊断立场。然后进一步讨论针对AD的治疗方法。最后，提出了将 PA 成像范围扩展到更深的 AD 场景的潜在解决方案和临床应用。虽然某些方面可能没有完全涵盖，但这篇简短的评论通过利用创新的组织光热效应为 AD 诊断和治疗提供了宝贵的见解。我们希望它能激发这一领域的进一步探索，促进 AD 治疗诊断学的改进和早期发展。