Evaluation of Brain Molecular Processes in Human Aging by Dynamic Positron Emission Tomography Images

• Grant number: 24/14294-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Radiology
• Principal Investigator: Daniele de Paula Faria
• Grantee: Dimitri Brigide de Almeida Mantovani
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging modality widely used in the diagnosis and evaluation of various diseases and clinical conditions through the administration of radiopharmaceuticals. This study will use neurological PET images with the radiopharmaceuticals [11C]PK11195, [11C]PiB and [18F]FDG in order to investigate aspects such as neuroinflammation, the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and cerebral metabolic activity in individuals with and without Down syndrome (DS) in different cognitive groups. The main aim of this work is to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between DS and Alzheimer's disease (AD) using dynamic PET imaging. The results obtained may fill gaps that currently exist in the literature, providing information on the neurological alterations that occur in individuals with DS and the associated high risk of developing AD early. Furthermore, understanding these mechanisms may help to identify new prevention and treatment strategies for AD in individuals with and without DS, improving the quality of life of these individuals and their families.