Age and disease related changes in the translocator protein (TSPO) system in the human brain: Positron emission tomography measurements with [11C]vinpocetine

► Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by the activation of microglia and the TSPO system. ► [11C]vinpocetine is a possible PET molecular imaging biomarker of TSPO. ► In ageing [11C]vinpocetine-PET shows an age-related increase in brain uptake. ► In Alzheimer patients [11C]vinpocetine-PET shows an increased brain uptake. ► There is no significant difference in brain uptake values between AD patients and age matched controls. ► Inhomogeneity analysis demonstrates a significant difference between AD patients and age matched controls.