Amyloid load and cerebral atrophy in Alzheimer's disease: An 11C‐PIB positron emission tomography study

Abstract

To determine the relationship between cerebral amyloid plaque load and rates of cerebral atrophy in Alzheimer's disease. ¹¹C‐PIB(¹¹C‐6‐OH benzothiazole)PET (positron emission tomography) findings were correlated with volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements in nine subjects with mild to moderate AD. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between rates of whole brain atrophy and whole brain (p = 0.019) and regional ¹¹C‐PIB uptake. This provides support for the central role of amyloid deposition in the pathogenesis of AD. Ann Neurol 2006;60:145–147