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.