PET tracers for diagnosis of basal forebrain neurodegeneration in aging

Changes in brain physiology, loss of brain cells and synapses, and reduction in expression of vital proteins occur before symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline manifest in older adults.

TrkA is a protein receptor that is reduced early in the aging brain. Detection of TrkA loss, prior to the emergence of clinical symptoms, is crucial in diagnosing age-related cognitive impairment. This project examines a novel method for detecting changes in TrkA levels in live subjects. This tool will allow early intervention and preventative treatments to slow the progression of cognitive decline.