Assessing Hippocampal Energy Metabolism with Alzheimer’s Disease Progression

Motivation: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the major form of dementia but there is no biomarker(s) and treatment available. Goal(s): This study aimed to investigate how decline in cognitive function is manifested in neurometabolic activity with the progression of AD. Approach: 5xFAD mice (6- and 12-month) were subjected to memory assessment using the Morris Water Maze test followed by neurometabolic analysis using 1H-[13C]-NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with an infusion of [1,6-13C2]glucose or [2-13C]acetate. Results: The findings of the study suggest enhanced neuroinflammation, and reduced glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission in 5xFAD mice. Impact: 13C NMR based assessment of neuronal and astroglial metabolic activity may help get an insight into AD pathology, thus providing biomarker(s) for the diagnosis of AD.