Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining whether an agent causes an increase in the expression of a retromer complex protein. This invention further provides a method for determining whether an agent causes an increase in the activity of a retromer complex. This invention also provides a method for increasing the expression of a retromer complex protein in a cell. This invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. This invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition as well as an article of manufacture.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining the amount of blood in a volume of cerebral tissue (cerebral blood volume) in a mammalian subject comprising (a) acquiring a first magnetic resonance image of the volume of tissue in vivo; (b) administering intraperitoneally to the subject a gadolinium-containing contrast agent in an amount greater than about 1 mg per kg body weight and less than about 20 mg per kg body weight; (c) acquiring a second magnetic resonance image of the volume of tissue in vivo, which second image is acquired at least about 15 minutes after, but not more than about 2 hours after, administering the contrast agent; and (d) determining the amount of cerebral blood volume based on the first and second images.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining whether a subject is afflicted with Alzheimer's disease by comparing the metabolic activity of the subject's hippocampal entorhinal cortex with that of a second region of the subject's brain. This invention further provides a method for determining whether a subject is afflicted with Alzheimer's disease by comparing the metabolic activity of the subject's hippocampal entorhinal cortex determined at a first and second time point. Finally, this invention provides a method for determining the amount of blood in a volume of cerebral tissue in vivo, wherein the volume of tissue is 1 mm3 or less.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining whether an agent causes a reduction in the expression of a retromer complex protein. This invention further provides a method for determining whether an agent causes a reduction in the activity of a retromer complex. This invention also provides a method for reducing the expression of a retromer complex protein in a cell. This invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. This invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition as well as an article of manufacture. Finally, this invention provides a method for identifying a potential pathogenic nucleic acid transcript with respect to a brain disorder.