## 1 Introduction  
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by a significant cognitive decline, emotional disturbances, and impaired social interactions. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), AD falls under the category of Major Neurocognitive Disorders and is defined by a decline from a previous level of performance in one or more cognitive domainsthat interferes with independence in everyday activities [1] As one of the leading causes of disability in older adults, it presents substantial challenges for patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems worldwide [2]. Strategies for AD prevention, aimed at risk factor identification and reduction, or early intervention, aimed at addressing behavioral symptoms, could enhance the quality of life of impaired subjects by mitigating its pathological impact. For the planning of early interventions, it is crucial to identify the prodomal stages of AD. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition associated with an elevated risk of AD progression, which shows measurable deficits in different cognitive domains but does not significantly impair daily activities [3], could represent a critical therapeutic window for interventions aimed at slowing cognitive decline and enhancing psychosocial well-being. For MCI, an estimated 10-15% per year conversion rate has been reported in clinical settings, while community-based studies report lower rates, ranging from 3.8% to 6.3% annually. Moreover, long-term studies reveal that approximately 80% of patients with MCI convert to AD over a six-year follow-up interval [4]. Recent progress in AD has made evident how this disease could be considered a continuous process of neurodegeneration rather than a series of distinct stages, beginning with asymptomatic phases, progressing through MCI, and culminating in full-blown dementia [5]. This poses challenges in precisely evaluating individuals to assess their condition and their specific risk factors for progression [6;7]. Figure 1 illustrates the escalating severity associated with each stage of the AD continuum. Accurate staging is critical for implementing early, targeted interventions that can delay or prevent irreversible neuronal damage and cognitive decline. This highlights the need for advanced diagnostic tools capable of identifying the AD pathology in its earliest stages to maximize the potential benefits of therapeutic strategies. Current treatments for AD and MCI mainly include pharmacological interventions, including acetylcholinesterase-cholinesteraseerase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and NMDA receptor antagonists (mementine), which manage symptoms rather than halt disease progression [8]. In July 2023, Lecanemab was approved by the FDA; it is a monoclonal antibody targeting amyloid-beta aggregates, which represents a milestone as one of the first medications for the Alzheimer's pathology [9]. Lecanemab binds to soluble amyloid-beta protofibrils, halting cognitive deterioration in early AD. In the Clarity AD phase-three trial, it significantly delayed clinical decline over 18 months, also showing improvement in cognitive and functional endpoints [10]. However, risks such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs) highlight the need for careful patient monitoring. While approved in the US, Lecanemab is not yet available in Italy, with EMA approval pending [11]. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and diet modifications, have been shown to have potential in retarding cognitive impairment while improving overall well-being [12]. In addition, complementary therapies, such as music therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies, are gaining recognition for their ability to manage behavioral symptoms, reduce anxiety, and enhance the quality of life in both MCI and AD populations [13].