3. GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Tau PET Imaging Reveals Key Alzheimer’s Marker for Diverse Populations – Technology Networks

Tau PET Imaging Reveals Key Alzheimer’s Marker for Diverse Populations – Technology Networks
Written by ZJbTFBGJ2T

Tau PET Imaging Reveals Key Alzheimer’s Marker for Diverse Populations  Technology Networks

USC Researchers Establish New Brain Imaging Benchmark to Enhance Alzheimer’s Disease Classification

Introduction

A research team from the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (Stevens INI) has identified a novel brain imaging benchmark aimed at improving the classification of biologically meaningful changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This advancement particularly benefits Hispanic and non-Hispanic White populations. The study, published in Imaging Neuroscience, is part of the Health and Aging Brain Study–Health Disparities (HABS-HD), a multi-university collaboration led by the University of North Texas Health Science Center and supported by the National Institute on Aging.

Methodology and Key Findings

  1. Use of Tau PET Imaging:

    • Researchers utilized tau positron emission tomography (PET), an advanced brain imaging technique, to study over 675 older adults from the HABS-HD cohort.
    • Tau PET allows visualization of abnormal tau protein accumulation in the brain, a hallmark of AD, by employing a radioactive tracer.
    • Establishment of tau cut-points serves as a biomarker to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or related conditions.
  2. Population-Specific Results:

    • The tau cut-point effectively distinguished cognitive impairment in Hispanic and non-Hispanic White participants, but only when amyloid protein was also present.
    • In non-Hispanic Black participants, the tau cut-point did not reliably indicate cognitive impairment, suggesting other pathologies or factors may contribute to cognitive decline in this group.
  3. New Imaging Tracer and Brain Region Focus:

    • The study employed the novel tracer 18F-PI-2620 to measure tau protein buildup.
    • Elevated tau levels in the medial temporal lobe were strongly associated with cognitive impairment related to AD.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • This research advances early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s disease, promoting healthier lives and well-being for aging populations.
    • Improved diagnostic tools contribute to reducing the burden of neurological diseases globally.
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
    • The study emphasizes the importance of including diverse populations in medical research to ensure equitable health outcomes.
    • Findings highlight the need to address biological and social determinants of health, particularly in underrepresented ethnic groups.
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    • Development and application of advanced imaging technologies like tau PET support innovation in medical diagnostics.
    • Collaboration across institutions fosters scientific infrastructure and capacity building.

Future Directions and Conclusion

  • The research underscores the necessity for further studies involving diverse populations to refine diagnostic criteria and understand differential disease mechanisms.
  • Findings from HABS-HD contribute to personalized care approaches and improved clinical trial designs targeting tau pathology.
  • The work supports ongoing efforts to develop inclusive healthcare solutions aligned with global sustainable development priorities.

Reference

Tennant VR, Wheeler KV, Lee NN, et al. Establishing tau-PET cut-points for cognitive diagnosis with 18F-PI-2620 in a multi-ethnoracial cohort. Imaging Neuroscience. 2025;3:IMAG.a.41. doi: 10.1162/IMAG.a.41

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

  1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • The article focuses on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a major health concern, and advances in brain imaging to improve diagnosis and treatment, directly contributing to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
  2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
    • The study emphasizes the importance of including diverse populations (Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black) in research to address health disparities in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treatment.
  3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    • The development and use of advanced brain imaging technology (tau PET with 18F-PI-2620 tracer) reflects innovation in medical research infrastructure.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

  1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
    • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries.
  2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
    • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
    • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
  3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including encouraging innovation and increasing the number of research and development workers.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

  1. Indicator for SDG 3.4 and 3.b:
    • Use of tau PET imaging biomarkers (tau cut-points) to identify early biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment, which can be tracked to measure improvements in early diagnosis and treatment effectiveness.
  2. Indicator for SDG 10.2 and 10.3:
    • Inclusion and representation of diverse ethnic groups (Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black) in Alzheimer’s research cohorts, measuring equity in research participation and applicability of diagnostic tools across populations.
  3. Indicator for SDG 9.5:
    • Development and application of advanced imaging tracers such as 18F-PI-2620 in clinical and research settings, tracking innovation in medical diagnostic technologies.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases
  • 3.b: Support research and development of medicines
  • Tau PET imaging biomarkers (tau cut-points) for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease
  • Measurement of cognitive impairment linked to tau protein accumulation
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • 10.2: Promote social, economic and political inclusion
  • 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome
  • Representation of diverse ethnic groups in Alzheimer’s research cohorts
  • Effectiveness of diagnostic tools across different populations
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • 9.5: Enhance scientific research and technological capabilities
  • Development and use of advanced imaging tracer 18F-PI-2620
  • Application of innovative brain imaging techniques in clinical research

Source: technologynetworks.com

 

Tau PET Imaging Reveals Key Alzheimer’s Marker for Diverse Populations – Technology Networks

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