Brain cell densities are associated with hypometabolism and Aβ burden in Alzheimer's disease

Our findings reveal that higher astrocyte densities are linked to reduced differences in delta FDG SUVr in AD-vulnerable regions, whereas neuronal densities show an inverse correlation. Conversely, oligodendrocytes display positive correlations with FDG-PET. This suggests a compensatory glial metabolism aimed at preserving neuronal homeostasis, supported by the higher proportion of these cells compared to neurons across all brain regions (Figure 1C and D). Additionally, analysis of Aβ-PET data reveals that regions with a higher astrocyte density are linked to a lower amyloid burden in vulnerable areas, further emphasizing the role of glia on amyloid pathology.