Athreya2021MIIBDD

Title

Molecular Imaging for Investigation of the Pathophysiology of Brain Degeneration and Dementia
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Authors

Anousha Athreya, S. Koby Taswell, Andrew Kang, Carl Taswell, Abass Alavi

Affiliations

Brain Health Alliance Virtual Institute, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 USA

Abstract

Brain degeneration and dementia are progressive brain disorders, causing memory loss and cognitive impairment due to brain atrophy and pathological lesions caused by abnormal protein deposits. In recent decades, advances in brain molecular imaging, a non-invasive method for imaging the brain, have provided an effective visual representation of brain atrophy in dementia. In this review, we discuss the use of molecular imaging of the brain, specifically positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging, for facilitating diagnosis and monitoring progression of brain degeneration. To support clinical diagnosis, molecular imaging reveals biomarker features in distinct topographic patterns associated with the binding activity of specific radiopharmaceuticals for visualization of the diverse degenerative disorders. Differential diagnosis of degenerative brain disorders with PET brain imaging can be achieved with high accuracy. The development of a variety of new radiotracers with increased sensitivity and specificity will enhance the use of PET brain imaging to monitor the efficacy of pharmacologic interventions intended to slow the progression of dementia.

Keywords

Molecular imaging, brain degeneration, dementia, PET brain imaging, imaging biomarker.

Citation

Brainiacs Journal 2021 Volume 2 Issue 1 Edoc T55809CA7
DOI: 10.48085/T55809CA7
PDP: /Nexus/Brainiacs/Athreya2021MIIBDD
URL: BrainiacsJournal.org/arc/pub/Athreya2021MIIBDD

Dates

received 2021-12-17, published 2021-12-31, revised (date pending)