The role of nuclear medicine in neurodegenerative diseases: a narrative review

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Lewy body dementia, are associated with the accumulation of brain proteins, leading to neuroinflammation, disruption of cellular clearance mechanisms, and neuronal death. Nuclear medicine, utilizing technologies like PET and SPECT, plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing these disorders. Recent advancements in nuclear medicine have enhanced the understanding of disease pathophysiology and facilitated the development of tailored therapeutics. This study aims to address gaps in understanding nuclear medicine's potential to improve early diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate therapeutic effectiveness. In this review, we analyzed 28 papers and summarized their findings. PET radioligands have revolutionized the in vivo measurement of pathological targets in neurological diseases, offering new insights into the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative conditions. Amyloid PET has emerged as a reliable diagnostic imaging tool, accurately identifying cerebral amyloid-beta accumulation and enabling early differential diagnosis in clinical settings. Furthermore, radiopharmaceuticals such as [18F]Flortaucipir, [18F]FDOPA, and TSPO ligands provide significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Keywords: Neurodegenerative disease; PET; SPECT; nuclear medicine; review.

Figure 1

PRISMA flowchart for identification of studies.