Figure 1.

Longitudinal regional cortical acetylcholinesterase hydrolysis reduction in Parkinson’s disease. 3D-SSP images showing absolute acetylcholinesterase k₃ hydrolysis in the Parkinson’s disease group at baseline (Scan 1) and follow-up (Scan 2). High-intensity-binding areas, including the cerebellum and striatum, are whited-out as these cannot be estimated reliably. Findings show a lower hydrolysis rate in the lateral posterior and inferior temporal, superior parietal and occipital association cortices. There is relative sparing of the primary visual cortices. Most intense cortical binding is seen in the primary sensorimotor and precentral cortices with lower hydrolysis rates in the anterior prefrontal areas. Interval changes include more severe posterior cortical losses and mid anterior-to-posterior prefrontal degeneration gradient (in both superior and orbitofrontal directions) and preservation of primary and secondary sensorimotor and peri-Sylvian cortices.