From imaging to modulating the human locus coeruleus along healthy aging and the Alzheimer's disease continuum

The locus cœruleus (LC) is a small brainstem structure producing most of the norepinephrine in the human brain and modulating numerous cognitive functions and behaviors through its extensive cortical and subcortical projections. Recent evidences emphasized the crucial role of the LC for supporting brain health along the lifespan, but also its vulnerability to Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related pathologic changes starting early in adulthood. The general aim of this thesis is to contribute to the better understanding of the evolution of the LC structural properties in healthy aging and along the AD continuum, using newly developed magnetic resonance imaging techniques at ultra-high field, and to provide further supporting evidence for the effectiveness of non-invasive and non-pharmacological stimulating techniques aiming at modulating the LC activity. These findings will contribute at a larger extent to the development of more efficient LC-oriented interventions to aid cognition, including in aging, and for preventing or delaying AD pathology progression.