PET Qualification of MRI techniques in Alzheimer’s disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Qualification of Magnetic Resonance (MR) spectroscopy and susceptibility-weighted imaging as potential imaging biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease
IRAS ID
131487
Contact name
John T O'Brien
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals and Cambridge University Joint Sponsors
Research summary
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at the early stages is challenging and requires other tests such as brains scans. One of the main changes in AD is the presence of a specific protein called Amyloid which can be identified using specialized nuclear imaging techniques but they are expensive, involve ionising radiation, and require advanced equipment. Therefore, they are not available for day-to-day practice.
There is a new theory that Amyloid might be related to tiny bleeds, which can be seen using a new MRI method called susceptibility-weighted imaging. This technique could potentially show changes in early AD and is less expensive and more readily available. We will assess if these small bleeds can be used as a marker of amyloid deposition. If our data support this, MRI could be used as a safer, cheaper and more available alternative to nuclear imaging.
Measurement of various brain chemicals using MR-spectroscopy is another promising MRI technique not thoroughly validated. The other objective of this study is to explore the relationship between these brain chemicals and tissue changes in Alzheimer’s disease. We will find abnormal brain areas using nuclear imaging and will measure the level of brain chemicals in those areas to identify changes that indicate tissue damage in AD.
The result of this study could help early diagnosis of AD in day-to-day practice.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EE/0423
Date of REC Opinion
20 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion