Tau Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in Imaging and Cognition
Yaakov Stern
Summary
The investigators aim to use the new PET radioligand, 18F-MK-6240, to detect tau pathology in cognitive healthy and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) elders. The investigators will then examine the interactions between differential tau burden and performance on cognitive tasks, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neural activation patterns, and other cognitive and behavioral measures. By investigating these relationships, the investigators hope to understand the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of tau deposition found in specific brain regions in cognitively normal/mildly cognitively impaired adults. Furthermore, the study aims to examine how the presence of tau may contribute to the risk of subsequent cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and dementia.
Description
Many cognitively healthy older adults have, upon post mortem evaluations, been found to have varying amounts of neurofibrillary tangles (tau) and beta-amyloid plaque deposits, which are the hallmark brain pathologies known to be associated with Alzheimer's disease and various other dementias. While some with these pathologies may not clinically express cognitive decline or dementia in their lifetime, human post-mortem studies suggest that increasing neurofibrillary tangle density correlates with neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Imaging tauopathy in-vivo provides an opportunity to e…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 55–90 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 55-90 * Previously received an amyloid PET scan * Residing near Columbia University Medical Center * Must be willing and able to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Have a contraindication to PET (e.g, metallic implants, pacemaker, claustrophobia, or cannot lie flat for one hour) * Pregnancy * Lactating Women * Current, past, or anticipated exposure to radiation * Significant active physical illness
Interventions
- Drug18F-MK-6240
Results of the 18F-MK-6240 PET scan will be correlated with other observations.
Location
- Columbia University Medical CenterNew York, New York