Amyloid load and cerebral atrophy in Alzheimer's disease: An 11C-PIB positron emission tomography study

To determine the relationship between cerebral amyloid plaque load and rates of cerebral atrophy in Alzheimer's disease. 11C‐PIB(11C‐6‐OH benzothiazole)PET (positron emission tomography) findings were correlated with volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements in nine subjects with mild to moderate AD. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between rates of whole brain atrophy and whole brain (p = 0.019) and regional 11C‐PIB uptake. This provides support for the central role of amyloid deposition in the pathogenesis of AD. Ann Neurol 2006;60:145–147