Abstract
1081
Learning Objectives After completing this exhibit, the reader will be able to: 1. Discuss the differences in clinical aspects of the tauopathies. 2. Explain the current understanding of tau deposition. 3. Recognize the basic FDG PET imaging patterns in tauopathies.
Summary: The purpose of this exhibit is to review the current understanding of the neurodegenerative diseases caused by the deposition of tau within the brain. The epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathology, genetics and imaging will be examined. Tau is a microtubule-binding protein abundant in normal neurons and glia. Microtubules are part of the internal support structure of a neuron and play an important role in guiding molecular transport in the axons. Excessive tau phosphorylation leads to filament formation and migration from axon to cell body. Both straight tau filaments and intracellular inclusions of paired helical filaments are implicated in neuronal dysfunction, synaptic loss and cell death. Recent research provides convincing evidence that abnormal tau depositions play a key role in neurodegeneration. Six distinct tau isoforms are expressed in different neuronal populations and lead to different diseases. The tauopathies include Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Pick's disease, supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration. Characteristic signs and symptoms include changes in personality, social behavior, and language ability; difficulties in thinking and making decisions; poor coordination and balance; psychiatric symptoms; and dementia. Each disease has distinct features that set them apart from each other and from Alzheimer's disease.
- © 2009 by Society of Nuclear Medicine