Distinct effects of beta-amyloid and tau on cortical thickness in cognitively healthy older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Published reports of associations between β-amyloid (Aβ) and cortical integrity conflict. Tau biomarkers may help elucidate the complex relationship between pathology and neurodegeneration in aging.

Methods

We measured cortical thickness using magnetic resonance imaging, Aβ using Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography (PiB-PET), and tau using flortaucipir (FTP)-PET in 125 cognitively normal older adults. We examined relationships among PET measures, cortical thickness, and cognition.

Results

Cortical thickness was reduced in PiB+/FTP+ participants compared to the PiB+/FTP- and PiB-/FTP- groups. Continuous PiB associations with cortical thickness were weak but positive in FTP- participants and negative in FTP+. FTP strongly negatively predicted

SUBMITTER: Harrison TM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8203764 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature