Method of differentially diagnosing different types of dementia

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of differentially diagnosing different types of dementia. In particular, the method relates to the use of specific SPECT tracers for differentially diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, Lewy-Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia.

1 . Diagnostic composition for the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Lewy-Body Dementia and/or Frontotemporal Dementia comprising at least one compound which is suitable for Single Photon Emission Computer Tomography (SPECT), which is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and which can associate with a Dopamine Transporter (DAT). 
   
   
       2 . Diagnostic composition according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein said at least one compound is labeled with  99m Tc and/or  123 I.   
   
   
       3 . Diagnostic composition according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein said at least one compound comprises the following structural element:   
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
   
   
       4 . Diagnostic composition according to  claim 3 ,
 wherein said at least one compound is selected from table 1.   
   
   
       5 . Use of at least one compound which is suitable for SPECT, which is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and which can associate with a Dopamine Transporter (DAT) in the manufacture of a diagnostic composition for the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Lewy-Body Dementia and/or Frontotemporal Dementia. 
   
   
       6 . Use according to  claim 5 ,
 wherein said at least one compound is labeled with  99m Tc and/or  123 I.   
   
   
       7 . Use according to  claim 5 ,
 wherein said at least one compound comprises the following structural element:   
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
   
   
       8 . Diagnostic composition according to  claim 7 ,
 wherein said at least one compound is selected from table 1.   
   
   
       9 . Method of data acquisition comprising at least the following steps:
 administering at least one compound which is suitable for SPECT, which is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and which can associate with a Dopamine Transporter (DAT) to a human or animal being;   measuring said compound's distribution within the brain using SPECT at least at a time point x 1 ; and   measuring said compound's association with DAT within the brain at least at a time point x 2 , wherein x 2  is later than x 1 .   
   
   
       10 . Method of diagnosis comprising at least the following steps:
 administering at least one compound which is suitable for SPECT, which is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and which can associate with a Dopamine Transporter (DAT) to a human or animal being;   measuring said compound's distribution within the brain using SPECT at least at a time point x 1 ; and   measuring said compound's association with DAT within the brain at least at a time point x 2  wherein x 2  is later than x 1 ;   comparing the obtained results with an appropriate control;   deciding on the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease, Lewy-Body Dementia and/or Frontotemporal Dementia.   
   
   
       11 . Method according to  claim 9 ,
 wherein said at least one compound is labeled with  99m Tc and/or  123 I.   
   
   
       12 . Method according to  claim 9 ,
 wherein said at least one compound is selected from table 1.   
   
   
       13 . Method according to  claim 12 ,
 wherein said at least one compound is Altropane® of table 1;   wherein distribution within the brain is measured approximately 2 to 5 min after administration; and   wherein association with DAT within the brain is measured approximately 15 to 45 min after administration.