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Amyloid accumulation in Down syndrome measured with amyloid load
Matthew D Zammit1, Charles M Laymon2, Tobey J Betthauser3
1University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center Madison Wisconsin.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|May 22, 2020
Summary
A new amyloid beta (Aβ) index effectively quantifies brain Aβ deposition in Down syndrome (DS). Aβ accumulation rates in DS are similar to Alzheimer's disease (AD), indicating earlier onset but not accelerated progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit increased amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in the brain.
- A novel positron emission tomography (PET) index, Aβ, offers a sensitive alternative to SUVrs for quantifying and tracking Aβ burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of the new Aβ PET index for characterizing Aβ deposition in individuals with DS.
- To compare the variability of longitudinal Aβ changes using the Aβ index versus SUVrs.
Main Methods:
- Aβ was calculated in 169 individuals with DS using [C-11]Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) PET imaging.
- DS-specific PiB templates were developed to determine Aβ carrying capacity (K) and non-specific binding (NS).
Main Results:
- The highest Aβ carrying capacity was observed in the striatum and precuneus.
- Longitudinal changes in Aβ burden showed less variability with the Aβ index compared to SUVrs.
Conclusions:
- The Aβ PET index is valuable for characterizing Aβ deposition in DS.
- Aβ accumulation rates in DS are comparable to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (3-4% per year), suggesting earlier onset but not accelerated progression.
