Current approaches to the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) rely upon classifying individuals as “positive” or “negative” for biomarkers related to the core pathology of beta-amyloid (Aβ). However, the accumulation of Aβ begins slowly, years before biomarkers become abnormal. We used longitudinal [¹¹C] Pittsburgh Compound B (PIB) PET and neuropsychological assessment to investigate the earliest changes in AD pathology and how it affects memory in cognitively normal older humans. {read more here}

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging confirmed that another maltodextrin-based probe, ¹⁸F fluoro-maltohexaose, was specific to infected areas 30 minutes after injection, Taylor’s group reported online in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. This was a better result than seen with another radiotracer, ¹⁸F fluorodeoxyglucose, which accumulated in both infected and inflamed areas.  {read more here}

Slightly elevated beta-amyloid levels in the brain are associated with increased activity in certain brain regions, according to a new study from the Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) at The University of Texas at Dallas.  {read more here}

A new study [PET scan] shows that sleep deprivation is linked to higher levels of a protein called beta-amyloid—a notorious precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. {read more here}