Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Hybrid PET/MRI Imaging of Alzheimer's Disease Based on 18F-AV-1451
Published on: April 18, 2025
Amyloid duration is associated with preclinical cognitive decline and tau PET
Rebecca L Koscik1,2, Tobey J Betthauser2,3, Erin M Jonaitis1,2
1Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Madison Wisconsin.
Introduction:
This study applies a novel algorithm to longitudinal amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to identify age-heterogeneous amyloid trajectory groups, estimate the age and duration (chronicity) of amyloid positivity, and investigate chronicity in relation to cognitive decline and tau burden.
Methods:
Cognitively unimpaired participants (n = 257) underwent one to four amyloid PET scans (Pittsburgh Compound B, PiB). Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to participants with longitudinal scans (n = 171) to identify and model amyloid trajectory groups, which were combined with Bayes theorem to estimate age and chronicity of amyloid positivity. Relationships between chronicity, cognition, clinical progression, and tau PET (MK-6240) were investigated using regression models.
Results:
Chronicity explained more heterogeneity in amyloid burden than age and binary amyloid status. Chronicity was associated with faster cognitive decline, increased risk of abnormal cognition, and higher entorhinal tau.
Discussion:
Amyloid chronicity provides unique information about cognitive decline and neurofibrillary tangle development and may be useful to investigate preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
