Positron Emission Tomography Studies in the Normal and Abnormal Aging of Human Brain.

摘要

Until recently, the investigation of the neurophysiological correlates for the normal and abnormal aging of the human brain was limited by methodological constraints. The techniques available provided only a few parameters (e.g. electroencephalograms, cerebral blood flow) monitored in superficial brain structures in a grossly regional and poorly quantitative way. Lately several non-invasive techniques have been developed which allow investigations in vivo both quantitatively and on a local basis for a number of previously inaccessible important aspects of brain function. These techniques, include single photon emission tomography imaging of computerized electric events and nuclear magnetic resonance. Positron emission tomography stands out as the most powerful and promising method since it allows the in vivo measurement of biochemical and pharmacological parameters. (ERA citation 13:043929)