Tau PET in Imaging and Cognition: Healthy Adults From 55-90

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators aim to use the new PET radioligand, 18F-MK-6240, to detect tau pathology in cognitive healthy and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) elders. The investigators will then examine the interactions between differential tau burden and performance on cognitive tasks, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neural activation patterns, and other cognitive and behavioral measures. By investigating these relationships, the investigators hope to understand the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of tau deposition found in specific brain regions in cognitively normal/mildly cognitively impaired adults. Furthermore, the study aims to examine how the presence of tau may contribute to the risk of subsequent cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and dementia.

Detailed Description
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Many cognitively healthy older adults have, upon post mortem evaluations, been found to have varying amounts of neurofibrillary tangles (tau) and beta-amyloid plaque deposits, which are the hallmark brain pathologies known to be associated with Alzheimer's disease and various other dementias. While some with these pathologies may not clinically express cognitive decline or dementia in their lifetime, human post-mortem studies suggest that increasing neurofibrillary tangle density correlates with neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Imaging tauopathy in-vivo provides an opportunity to examine neurocognitive correlates of differential levels of tauopathy in the brain, allowing to further qualify pre-clinical states of cognitive impairment. The investigators aim to investigate possible protective mechanisms, such as cognitive reserve, that may modulate the relationship between tauopathy and cognitive decline.

Official Title
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Tau Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in Imaging and Cognition

Conditions
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Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: 18F-MK-6240


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Aged 55-90 Previously received an amyloid PET scan Residing near Columbia University Medical Center Must be willing and able to participate Exclusion Criteria: Have a contraindication to PET (e.g, metallic implants, pacemaker, claustrophobia, or cannot lie flat for one hour) Pregnancy Lactating Women Current, past, or anticipated exposure to radiation Significant active physical illness

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 55 Years
Maximum Age: 90 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Non-demented elders<br>Participants aged 55-90 that are cognitively normal or have mild cognitive impairment will receive 18F-MK-6240 to identify the presence of tau protein in the brain. | Drug: 18F-MK-6240<br>* Results of the 18F-MK-6240 PET scan will be correlated with other observations.<br>* Other names: 6-[18F]Fluoro-3-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-1-yl)isoquinolin-5-amine;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total number of individuals with tau present | Based on the scans, the total number of subjects with identifiable tau in their scans will be measured. | Up to 5 years | 
| Cognition | Relation of Tau PET to measures of cognition such as memory and reasoning | Up to 5 years | 
| Functional imaging (fMRI) | Relation of Tau PET to imaging acquired during task performance | Up to 5 years | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Tau, MK-6240, Cognition