This new brain imaging technology announced and deciphered in the scientific journal specializing in neuroscience Neuron can identify, inside the living brain, the tau protein which is closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
The scientific team led by the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Chiba (Tokyo) used positron emission tomography (which allows a more detailed view of the interior of the organ and offers the possibility of detecting, for example, the presence of microscopic entities) to construct a 3D image of the tau protein in the brain. They then developed a particular chemical that binds to the tau protein. This can then be detected during a brain scan.
Tests carried out on mice
The tests were carried out on mice and on people suspected of developing Alzheimer’s disease. They were conclusive. Dr Makoto Higuchi, from the National Institute of Radiological Sciences of Japan, said that “this new technology provides reliable information about brain regions that are developing or at risk of tau-induced neuronal death”.
A promising discovery
Dr Eric Karran, director of the UK’s Alzheimer’s Research Center said that “this new technology shows promise and could therefore lead to new ways of diagnosing the disease and testing the effectiveness of new drugs. If this method proves successful, such an analysis could also be a useful aid in giving people an accurate diagnosis, as well as the progression of the disease.”
Alzheimer’s disease in France
With more than 850,000 people affected in France and nearly 225,000 new cases diagnosed each year, Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases remain a public health priority. No curative treatment exists to date.
