Assessing the association between cholinergic integrity and cognitive performance in adults with Down Syndrome using cholinergic anatomy and [18F]‐FEOBV PET

• Published in: Alzheimer's & dementia 2024-12, Vol.20 (S2), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Russell, Jason K, Conley, Alexander C, Boyd, Brian, Schlossberg, Rachel, Stranick, Allison, Rosenberg, Adam J, Acosta, Lealani Mae Y., Rafii, Michael, Shokouhi, Sepideh, Newhouse, Paul A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarkers
• ISSN: 1552-5260; 1552-5279
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.091867

Background Triplication of the amyloid precursor protein in individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) produces an increased risk for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Declining cholinergic integrity plays a role in the cognitive deficits observed in late‐onset AD. In the present study, we assess the relationship between basal forebrain volume or [18F]‐FEOBV uptake and cognitive performance in adults with DS. Method 188 individuals from the ABC‐DS cohort (U01AG051406; U01AG051412; U19AG068054) were assessed cross‐sectionally. Basal forebrain volumes were calculated from T1 MRIs using the ScLimbic FreeSurfer pipeline. Ten individuals were recruited as part of a TRC‐DS sub‐study (25‐55 years old) or de novo (18‐24 years old), where they underwent MRI imaging and [18F]‐FEOBV PET imaging. Regional [18F]‐FEOBV SUVRs were calculated using PetSurfer. Participants from both studies underwent numerous cognitive assessments. Linear regressions were performed between cognitive performance and regional [18F]‐FEOBV SUVR or basal forebrain volume correcting for intellectual disability. Result In the ABC‐DS cohort, the Down Syndrome Mental State Exam (DSMSE) total score was positively associated with basal forebrain volume (p