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Cerebral acetylcholine esterase activity in mild cognitive impairment
Karl Herholz1, Simon Weisenbach, Elke Kalbe
1Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany. karl.herholz@manchester.ac.uk
Neuroreport
|August 20, 2005
Summary
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may precede Alzheimer's disease. Reduced cortical acetylcholine esterase activity in MCI patients could indicate impending dementia, as seen in this study.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage that may or may not progress to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Cortical acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity is reduced in diagnosed Alzheimer's disease.
- The role of AChE activity in the progression of MCI is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cortical acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- To determine if reduced AChE activity in MCI is associated with progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Main Methods:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) was used for in-vivo measurement of cortical AChE activity.
- Eight patients with MCI were assessed for AChE activity.
- Patients were monitored for progression to AD over 18 months.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in cortical AChE activity was observed in three out of eight MCI patients.
- A significant association was found between reduced AChE activity and progression to AD within 18 months.
Conclusions:
- Reduced cortical AChE activity may serve as an early indicator of dementia progression in MCI patients.
- AChE activity measured by PET could be a valuable biomarker for identifying MCI patients at higher risk for AD.