Tau buildup in inner temporal brain areas is linked to early degeneration of the brain's memory-supporting system in Alzheimer's disease

In cognitively unimpaired individuals, the presence of both amyloid beta and tau was linked to reduced nucleus basalis of Meynert (Ch4) volume.

• Co-occurring amyloid beta and mesial-temporal (MTL) tau may reduce Ch4 volumes in cognitively unimpaired individuals.
• The association between MTL tau burden and Ch4 volume was only seen in those with established amyloid pathology.
• No relationship was found between MTL tau and hippocampal volume.
• This association persisted in individuals with mild cognitive impairment but was absent in those with Alzheimer's dementia.
• Findings suggest early Ch4 degeneration linked to Aβ and tau could support cognitive benefits of cholinergic therapies.

Simplified