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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

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Influence of microglial activation on neuronal function in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease dementia

Zhen Fan1, Yahyah Aman1, Imtiaz Ahmed1

  • 1Neurology Imaging Unit, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.

Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|September 21, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Neuroinflammation, indicated by microglial activation, is linked to reduced brain metabolism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). This neuroinflammation may drive neuronal dysfunction in these neurodegenerative conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Medical Imaging
  • Neurodegeneration

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Both are characterized by neuronal dysfunction and pathological microglial activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between microglial activation, glucose metabolism, and amyloid burden in AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and PDD.
  • To explore the correlation between neuroinflammation and cognitive function in these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) with tracers for microglial activation ([11C](R)PK11195), amyloid ([11C]PIB), and glucose metabolism ([18F]FDG).
  • Employed biological parametric mapping (BPM) and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) for image analysis, alongside neuropsychometric tests.

Main Results:

  • Found significant correlations between increased microglial activation and reduced glucose metabolism (rCMRGlc) in AD, MCI, and PDD using BPM analysis.
  • Observed positive correlations between amyloid and microglial activation in AD and MCI.
  • Demonstrated negative correlations between cortical microglial activation and Mini-Mental State Examination scores in AD and PDD.

Conclusions:

  • Cortical neuroinflammation, evidenced by microglial activation, is inversely correlated with glucose metabolism in AD and PDD.
  • This suggests that neuroinflammation may be a key driver of neuronal dysfunction in these dementias.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseaseCorrelationFDGMild cognitive impairmentPIBPK11195Parkinson's disease dementia

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