Age-Related Changes in the Cholinergic System in Adults with Down Syndrome Assessed Using [¹⁸F]-Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol Positron Emission Tomography Imaging.

ABSTRACT: Adults with Down syndrome are genetically predisposed to developing Alzheimer's disease after the age of 40. The cholinergic system, which is critical for cognitive functioning, is known to decline in Alzheimer's disease and although first investigated in individuals with Down syndrome 40 years ago, remains relatively understudied. Existing studies suggest individuals with Down syndrome have an intact cholinergic system at birth that declines through adulthood alongside the development of Alzheimer's disease pathology. The present study provides the first description of cholinergic terminals in vivo in non-demented adults with Down syndrome utilizing [¹⁸F]-fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol PET imaging. In addition, we investigated age-associated decline in cholinergic terminal density.

SUBMITTER: Russell JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11581087 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature