Bioimaging in Neurodegeneration

An authoritative survey of the cutting-edge imaging technologies available for diagnosing, treating, and discovering the underlying causes of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and leukodystrophy. The new technologies demonstrated include new sequences for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), such as magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE); proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS); new tracers for positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission tomography (SPECT), such as tropane analogs and altropane; neuromolecular imaging (NMI) of neurotransmitters directly in brain synapses of epilepsy patients with unique carbon-based electrochemical sensors; and intrinsic optical signal imaging (IOS), useful in diagnosing "spreading epileptiform depression." The authors apply these technologies to imaging abnormalities in neurons, neuroanatomy, and chemical neurotransmitters, showing how bioimaging can be used in both therapy and research. A companion compact disk contains color illustrations selected from throughout the text to enhance understanding of the potential of these developing technologies.