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Introduction. Modern neuroimaging methods allow to evaluate in vivo biochemical processes in the brain. Such methods include magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and positron emission tomography (PET). While PET is the “golden standard” in assessing the brain functional state and is widely used in neurodegenerative diseases, the diagnostic value of MRS remains undefined due to the inconsistency of the results obtained in different studies. At the same time, MRC allows obtaining information on the content of many metabolites in living tissues, including N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), which is considered to be a surrogate marker of neuronal integrity, choline (Cho), associated with membrane metabolism, Cr - energy metabolism, etc. The aim of this study is to compare MRS and PET data in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Materials and methods. Twenty-six patients with PD stages I to III according to the Hoehn and Yahr Scale and age-matching control group of neurologically and cognitively intact people were examined. All patients underwent neurological examination, a multivoxel MRS of the supraventricular region, including white and gray matter, and PET with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to assess cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglu).Results. Decrease of NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho in the white matter in the left hemisphere was revealed in PD group compared to control, with the NAA/Cr ratio negatively correlating with the stage of the disease of the Hoehn and Yahr Scale. The NAA content in the white matter and the cingulate cortex positively correlated with CMRglu in Brodmann fields 5–7, 8–10, 22, 23, 46. At the same time, Cho/Cr ratio negatively correlated with CMRglu in the cortical areas associated with the development of cognitive impairment in PD (Brodman areas 9, 10, 39, 47).

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The article presents the results of the study of cognitive functions and the psychic state of HIV-infected patients. 38 patients aged 25-45 years were examined. In HIV-infected patients, dysfunctions of the central nervous system observed, which could be detected in the early stages after infection. Indicators of cognitive functions and psychic state correlated with the metabolism of the cerebral cortex, mainly with the metabolism of structures associated with executive functions. Obviously, patients of presented category have a decline in executive functions. Therefore, it is important to include psychocorrective treatment aimed at training of emotional-volitional functions, in the rehabilitation program which should also contribute to the improvement of cognitive functions and better social adaptation. The revealed changes in glucose metabolism and the content of N-acetyl aspartate were nonspecific and could be caused by a combination of the direct effect of the virus on the brain tissue, psychogenic and premorbid factors. Most likely, the existing premorbid features enhanced by the toxic effects of HIV and severe psycho-emotional stress associated with obtaining information about infection.

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