Chapter 3 - Advances in molecular neuroimaging methodology

Abstract

Molecular imaging encompasses techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography, which can capture real-time in vivo functions, changes, and biological processes at a molecular and cellular level. Molecular imaging offers valuable biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic application across neurodegenerative disorders, with PET imaging offering higher sensitivity. Continued advances in hardware technology, including the new total body PET/CT scanners, alongside computational methodological advances increase the potential of PET imaging and extend the frontiers of knowledge across neurodegeneration. The utilization of molecular imaging techniques in artificial intelligence models and multivariate molecular connectivity methods highlights pioneering research, across neuropathology and neurotransmission systems, which has the potential to provide novel insights into disease pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Across Parkinson's and related movement disorders, radiotracers have been employed to study the neurotransmitter systems, neuroreceptors, protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, glucose metabolism, synaptic integrity, phosphodiesterases, and mitochondria. The concepts introduced in this chapter will lay the foundations for molecular imaging discussed throughout this book and the application of these techniques across neurodegenerative movement, and related, disorders.