News Section | Biology
New Method to Track Neuron Cell Death Leading to Alzheimer’s Disease
UCLA researchers developed a new brain imaging strategy that tracks neural cell loss in the hippocampus, a key memory center of the brain. Using a chemical marker called MPPF and positron emission tomography (PET), researchers , Dr. Jorge R. Barrio and Dr. Gary Small measured the amount of serotonin receptors 1A found in neurons abundantly present in the hippocampus. This research is published in the Jan. 9 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In Alzheimer’s disease these neural cells die, causing the hippocampus to atrophy and shrink.This new imaging method may allow doctors to track neuronal cell reductions in the hippocampus in people that precede clinical symptoms — offering a new avenue for understanding disease progression and a potentially sensitive new tool for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The new method is currently under patent application
Using the new strategy, UCLA researchers found density decreases of the hippocampus and other key memory centers in 49 percent of Alzheimer’s disease patients and a 24 percent decrease in patients with mild cognitive impairment. “We hope this new method will lead us to a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease as well as a new strategy for early detection,†said Barrio. “A shrinking hippocampus is a hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s disease and this new marker will offer a useful strategy for early detection and more effective treatment,†said Small.
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Dr.Gary Small
Dr.Jorge R. Barrio
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