Changes in regional cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity in the cholinergic pathway associated with cognitive performance in subjects with mild Alzheimer's disease after 12-week donepezil treatment

► We study the treatment effects of donepezil in mild Alzheimer's disease. ► We use integrative MRI approach to examine functional changes after treatment. ► Treatment improves regional cerebral blood flow in the cingulate cortices. ► Treatment improves functional connectivity in the medial cholinergic pathways. ► Cognitive performances are correlated with changes in blood flow and connectivity.