Pilot PET Study of Regional Cerebral Protein Synthesis in Alzheimer's

Measuring the rate of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) may enable us to better-understand the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). This study is using a new method of measuring rCPS non-invasively, and to offer new approaches to the assessment of new therapeutic strategies in clinical trials. Previous studies have established the utility of \[11C\]-Leucine PET to assess the rCPS. This study will use \[11C\]- Leucine PET to measure rCPS in AD patients versus age-matched and young healthy subjects to determine whether a measurable difference exists. The study will involve participants receiving up to two PET scans, a structural MRI scan. The PET scanning procedures will involve some withdrawal of blood samples. The ultimate goal of this proposal is to indicate new routes for treatment of AD.