Brain Imaging and Neuropathologic Mechanisms in Alzheimer's Disease: Vascular Versus Neurodegenerative and Amyloid-β Versus Tau

Abstract

Over the past several decades, there has been extensive research devoted toward determining the cause of Alzheimer's disease. Numerous biochemical, histological, and imaging investigations have elegantly characterized the neuropathologic and functional changes associated with AD. Proponents of one theory or another can find supporting data among the myriad of studies in the literature. This paper attempts to summarize some of the major conclusions and controversies in imaging literature (especially, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine) in relation to pathogenesis theories of Alzheimer's disease. In spite of considerable progress, the primary cause of Alzheimer's disease remains elusive.