PhosphoRus, Proton Imaging and Amyloid BuRdEn (PREPARE) ON AMYLOID BURDEN AND COGNITION

The consequences of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (deposition of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles) are known. The cause of these deposition of proteins is not. Some scientist argue that an increase in oxidative phosphorylation activity and a lack of ability to shift to aerobic glycolysis are the underlying source of these changes. The purpose of this study is to test whether there is a correlation between neuroenergetic levels of aerobic glycolysis/oxidative phosphorylation and risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study will examine these neuroenergetic adaptations in a group of 15 elderly participants (age range: 70-85 y/o) with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and 30 cognitively normal controls (NL). Multimodal (MR/PET) and multinuclear (31P/1H) neuroimaging will allow us to gain access to a uniquely comprehensive and highly consistent view of neuroenergetic adaptations in both the clinical and preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Inclusion criteria

• NL Group: Adults (male and female) aged >70 years in overall excellent health with normal cognition (CDR=0), and at least high school graduate level education.
• aMCI Group: Adults (male and female) aged >70 years, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR)= 0.5 - 1 and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): 20-25
• English as first language or demonstrated proficiency in English for non-native speakers

Exclusion criteria

• Any tumor, stroke, or trauma that would result in abnormal radiological findings History of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, intellectual disability or substance abuse MRI scanner contraindications