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1. Glossary

Positron emission tomography

An imaging technique that helps doctors visualize metabolic processes in the body. The patient is injected with a weakly radioactive substance that emits positrons, i.e., beta radiation. When the positrons encounter electrons in the body, energy is released in the form of two photons. These photons travel in opposite directions. Detectors are arranged around the patient in the PET scanner to register the photons that strike them. This makes it possible to track whether the radioactive substance accumulates in certain areas of the body, which can indicate the presence of a tumor, for example. Positron emission tomography is also used in the early diagnosis of dementia. The radiation exposure is low and acceptable in a medical context.

1. Glossary

Pre-dementia

Alzheimer's disease typically progresses through several clinical stages, preceded by an early phase with initial cognitive impairments. This phase, formerly known as pre-dementia, is now usually referred to as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease. It can manifest itself through symptoms such as declining short-term memory. With modern imaging techniques, especially amyloid PET, characteristic amyloid deposits in the brain can already be detected in this early phase. Laboratory chemical analyses of blood or cerebrospinal fluid can also provide indications of changes in protein concentrations typical of Alzheimer's disease. Although the clinical diagnosis of dementia is only made in later stages, the underlying Alzheimer's pathology can often be detected in advance today.

1. Topic

Nutrition

Our brain is what we eat

1. Basics
2. Communication of Cells

The Human Brain Project: Review/Preview

The Human Brain Project has come to an end. It was more than the initial visions of its founder – as its legacy shows.

06.11.2023

1. Discover
2. Milestones

Alois Alzheimer: Mad-Doctor with a Microscope

Alzheimer's is one of the most well-known diseases of our time. But initially, it – along with its discoverer – was largely ignored.

18.09.2013

1. News from the Institutes

How Stress Disrupts the Brain’s Navigational System

Persons under stress may have a harder time spatially orienting themselves. Researchers in Bochum have discovered why.

13.03.2026

1. Basics
2. Anatomy

The Insular Lobe

Deeply hidden in the temporal lobe lies the insular cortex: ancient, versatile, and full of surprises.

08.07.2025

1. Discover
2. Milestones

Thomas Südhof: Many small Steps to the Nobel Prize

Thomas Südhof discovered important synaptic proteins. For this, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

03.12.2013

1. Basics
2. Anatomy

The Hippocampus

The hippocampus is crucial for the formation of new memory content.

23.08.2011

1. Think
2. Emotions

Signals from Within

Emotions shape our lives. That's why we're so good at recognizing and empathizing with them.

18.12.2025