Molecular Imaging of the Cholinergic System in Alzheimer and Lewy Body Dementias: Expanding Views.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Brain cholinergic denervation is a major feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We reviewed the topography assessed by a cholinergic molecular imaging study in these two major types of dementia. A small meta-analysis directly comparing vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) PET scans of AD vs. DLB patients is presented.

Recent findings

VAChT PET studies showed evidence of extensive cortical cholinergic denervation in both forms of dementia, while multiple subcortical structures were also in DLB. Novel analysis revealed evidence of metathalamic denervation in AD, and epithalamus, premotor/sensorimotor cortical, and striatal losses in DLB. Topographically distinct cortical and subcortical cholinergic lesions can distingu

SUBMITTER: Kanel P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9020458 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature