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A novel imaging agent has the potential to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in living patients by binding to the telltale beta-amyloid deposits in the brains of those who suffer from it. Pittsburgh Compound-B, or PIB, is the contrast agent used in conjunction with PET scans. This non-invasive technique can give researchers information never before available about how and where the disease progresses in the brain, as well as the efficacy of treatment.
WHAT THEY'VE FOUND: The pattern of PIB retention in the brain suggests amyloid plaques formed by Alzheimer's appearing first in the frontal cortex areas, then progressing to the parietal and temporal cortex before ravaging the occipital and sensory-motor cortex. This may explain why memory and judgment are often the brain functions first affected with the onset of the disease.
SYMPTOMS: Alzheimer's is a slow-moving disease, and in its earliest stages may merely appear to be mild forgetfulness and confused with age-related memory change. There may be problems remembering recent events or activities, or the names of familiar people or objects. As the disease progresses, the forgetfulness becomes more severe, interfering with daily activities, such as brushing one's teeth. There are problems speaking, understanding, reading or writing, and eventually the brain damage becomes so severe the patient requires 24-hour care.
FACTOID: As many as 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease. While only about 5 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have the disease, nearly half of those 85 or older may have it.