The ART of loss: Aβ imaging in the evaluation of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias

Abstract

Molecular neuroimaging based on annihilation radiation tomographic (ART) techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), in conjunction with related biomarkers in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), are proving valuable in the early and differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). With the advent of new therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing β-amyloid (Aβ) burden in the brain to potentially prevent or delay functional and irreversible cognitive loss, there is increased interest in developing agents that allow assessment of Aβ burden in vivo. Aβ burden as assessed by molecular imaging matches histopathological reports of Aβ plaque distribution in aging and dementia and appea..