In vivo measures of tau burden are associated with atrophy in early Braak stage medial temporal lobe regions in amyloid‐negative individuals. Issue 10 (6th September 2019) - Das, Sandhitsu R.
Abstract: Introduction: It is unclear the degree to which tau pathology in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) measured by 18 F‐flortaucipir positron emission tomography relates to MTL subregional atrophy and whether this relationship differs between amyloid‐β–positive and amyloid‐β–negative individuals. Methods: We analyzed correlation of MTL 18 F‐flortaucipir uptake with MTL subregional atrophy measured with high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging in a region of interest and regional thickness analysis and determined the relationship between memory performance and positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging measures. Results: Both groups showed strong correlations between 18 F‐flortaucipir uptake and atrophy, with similar spatial patterns. Effects in the rhinal cortex recapitulated Braak staging. Correlations of memory recall with atrophy and tracer uptake were observed. Discussion: Correlation patterns between tau burden and atrophy in the amyloid‐β–negative group mimicking early Braak stages suggests that 18 F‐flortaucipir is sensitive to tau pathology in primary age‐related tauopathy. Correlations of imaging measures with memory performance indicate that this pathology is associated with poorer cognition.