PET imaging of mitochondrial dysfunction in tauopathy

Alzheimer's related brain changes start a decade or more before an individual may experience memory loss. One of the brain changes involves impairment in the brain energy production system. Several studies show that very early on, mitochondria– a powerhouse of energy generation of cells- undergoes damage in Alzheimer's. As a result, scientists believe that detecting these changes may serve as a tool to aid in early detection. Imaging approaches such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, help with visualizing the brain's energy usage through injection of a chemical, known as tracer.