Data-driven modeling of spatiotemporal dynamics using multimodal imaging data

Chunyan Li, Yutong Mao, Xiao Liu and Wenrui Hao

PLOS Computational Biology, 2026, vol. 22, issue 9, 1-29

Abstract: Understanding how biological systems evolve across space and time remains a fundamental challenge, particularly when dynamic processes vary substantially across individuals. We present a personalized graph-based dynamical modeling framework for characterizing spatiotemporal biological dynamics from longitudinal multimodal imaging data. The framework constructs individualized brain graphs from MRI and PET measurements and learns patient-specific dynamical parameters governing regional structural and molecular changes. Applied to 1,891 participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, the model captures the coordinated evolution of amyloid-β, tau, neurodegeneration, and cognition and accurately predicts their future trajectories, outperforming established clinical and neuroimaging benchmarks. Patient-specific dynamical parameters reveal distinct patterns of biological progression and provide improved prediction of future cognitive decline compared with standard biomarkers. Sensitivity analysis further identifies regional network features associated with the propagation of pathological and structural changes, recovering known temporolimbic and frontal vulnerability patterns. These results demonstrate how data-driven dynamical modeling can integrate multimodal longitudinal measurements to uncover individualized spatiotemporal patterns and latent mechanisms of biological change. The framework provides a quantitative approach for studying complex biological dynamics across heterogeneous individuals and establishes a foundation for personalized modeling of progressive biological processes.Author summary: Alzheimer’s disease is a complex brain disorder that develops slowly over many years. Changes in the brain can begin long before memory and thinking problems become noticeable, but it remains difficult to predict how quickly the disease will progress in a particular person. In this study, we developed a computer-based approach that creates a personalized “digital twin” of Alzheimer’s disease progression. The approach combines information from brain scans collected repeatedly over time with mathematical models of how disease-related changes develop and spread through the brain. We tested the framework using data from nearly 1,900 people participating in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Our model predicted future changes in key disease indicators and cognitive function, outperforming several commonly used prediction approaches. It also identified differences in how individuals progress and highlighted brain regions that may play important roles in this process. This work provides a foundation for more personalized prediction of Alzheimer’s disease progression and could ultimately help researchers improve clinical trials and develop more targeted treatments.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pcbi00:1014751

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1014751

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