Metabolic Imaging in Parkinson Disease

The current review focuses on recent human FDG-PET studies in Parkinson's disease. First, an overview is given of the current analytical approaches to metabolic brain imaging data. Next, we discuss how FDG-PET studies have advanced understanding of the relation between distinct brain regions and associated symptoms in Parkinson's disease, including cognitive decline. In addition, the value of FDG-PET studies in differential diagnosis, identifying prodromal patients and the evaluation of treatment effects are reviewed. Finally, anticipated developments in the field are addressed.