A multi-modality pictorial review of Alzheimer's Disease including an update on novel neurofibrillary tau radiotracers.

1159Objectives: To review and describe multi-modality imaging findings in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with attention to PET imaging biomarkers currently utilized. To discuss the recent advancements and future trends in the development of PET radiopharmaceuticals for imaging neurofibrillary tau protein, a protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases including AD. Content overview: AD, the most common neurodegenerative dementia, is one of the leading causes of mortality in the elderly population, affecting 1 in 8 people over the age of 65 with the clinical hallmark of cognitive decline and memory loss. AD is characterized by the abnormal accumulation and deposition of senile amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein, eventually leading to synaptic dysfunction, neuronal injury and neuronal death. Currently, AD is radiographically diagnosed utilizing biomarkers either imaging the aggregation of amyloid protein or the cerebral atrophy visualized structurally. We will pictorially review hallmark imaging findings using current biomarkers including Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose, Fluorine-18 labeled PET radiotracers for amyloid imaging and Carbon-11 labeled Pittsburgh compound B. Lastly, we will review the latest literature on novel tau protein radiotracers, such as Fluorine-18 -RO-948 and Fluorine-18-MK-6240 and implications of their future role in diagnosis of AD.
Source: Journal of Nuclear Medicine - Category: Nuclear Medicine Authors: Tags: Educational Exhibit Posters Source Type: research