Positron emission tomography and familial Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study

Source: J Am Geriatr Soc 1992 Feb;40(2):120-123.
Author: Guze BH;Hoffman JM;Mazziotta JC;Baxter LR;Phelps ME
PubMed ID: 1740595

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Local cerebral metabolic rates for glucose were compared between patients with familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), sporadic Alzheimer's Disease (SAD), and normal controls (NC) to determine if FAD is associated with a unique pattern of brain metabolism. DESIGN: Case- control study matched to convenience sample of FAD. METHODS: Subjects in the three diagnostic groups were scanned using fluorodeoxyglucose and the Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) technique. The criterion standard of a detailed clinical history and examination were compared to scan results. SETTING: Patients in a university hospital. SUBJECTS: Ambulatory controls and Alzheimer's patients, both sporadic (n 3D 8) and familial (n 3D 7). The two groups were similar in severity of cognitive dysfunction. RESULTS: FAD and SAD patients did not significantly differ in terms of local cerebral metabolic rates for glucose