Florzolotau (18F) retention is linked to neuropsychological performance in tauopathy

INTRODUCTION: Florzolotau (18F) positron emission tomography visualizes three- and four-repeat tau isoforms. We aimed to evaluate correlation of tau tracer retention with neuropsychological performance across the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum and non-AD tauopathies. METHODS: This study enrolled 178 patients with cognitive impairment and 60 volunteers. Participants were divided into AD continuum (n = 120) and non-AD tauopathy (n = 98) groups and assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating, Functional Activity Questionnaire, Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised Logical Memory, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive subscale, Trail Making Test (TMT), word fluency, and the Japanese Adult Reading Test. Voxel-based analysis was performed. RESULTS: In the AD continuum group, all cognitive test performances significantly correlated with tracer uptake, particularly in the left cortical areas. In the non-AD tauopathy group, strong correlations were observed with MMSE and TMT Part B performance. DISCUSSION: Neuropsychological performance and regional tau pathology distribution are correlated in patients with tauopathy, with differences between AD continuum and non-AD tauopathy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with UMIN Clinical Trials (UMIN-CTR number: 000032027); submitted for registration on March 30, 2018; first patient enrolment was on July 3, 2018.