Brain scan identifies patterns of plaques and tangles in adults with Down syndrome

June 12, 2011

The UCLA Newsroom reports the Center's research findings published in the June edition of the Archives of Neurology. Using FDDNP chemical marker to create PET Scan neuroimages of amyloid plaques and tau tangles common in both Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, UCLA researchers were able to compare differences in deposit patterns. This depth of information was previously only available upon autopsy. FDDNP neuroimaging may be a helpful tool in assessing and tracking plaque and tangle development in living patients, which can make way for earlier interventions and treatments, often before symptoms begin. UCLA Longevity Center Director Dr. Gary Small and Plott Chair in Gerontology Dr. Jorge R. Barrio are quoted.

Additional UCLA study authors include Linda D. Nelson, Prabha Siddarth, Vladimir Kepe, S.C. Huang and Kevin E. Scheibel.