PET Scans May Hold Key to More Accurate Alzheimer?s Diagnosis

Posted by PET / CT of Las Colinas on August 20th, 2017

It is estimated that more than 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Progressive, incurable and ultimately fatal, a diagnosis of this condition can be devastating. New research is showing, however, that some people who are living with this diagnosis may not actually have the disease. PET scans are shedding light on the potential that many people diagnosed with this condition may suffer from other cognitive concerns. This simple test may also hold the key to providing more accurate diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions down the road.

Researchers’ disturbing initial findings were developed through the course of an ongoing study that will ultimately result in the testing of more than 18,000 people diagnosed with either mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The testing is designed to determine if people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have telltale amyloid plaque on their brains. Amyloid is one of the major markers of Alzheimer’s disease. Its absence in PET scans indicates that Alzheimer’s is not the likely cause of memory concerns.

To date, researchers have tested more than 4,000 patients, looking for signs of amyloid plaque buildup. Researchers found that only about 54 percent of the mild cognitive impairment patients displayed the plaque in their PET scans. Of those diagnosed with dementia, about 70 percent of the patients screened to date displayed plaque. While a positive test for amyloid doesn’t always mean Alzheimer’s disease is present, the absence of this substance does rule out the condition.

The research is shedding light on the value PET scans may have in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders. As the research so far shows, many people being treated for Alzheimer’s may in fact not have this condition. Scans may lead to more accurate diagnosis and more appropriate treatments. For some patients, this could mean a change in medications. For others, it might lead to improved outcomes.

Having the ability to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s and distinguish it from other forms of dementia is critical for providing patients adequate care. Dementia may have a diversity of causes, some of which are highly treatable through medications and other interventions.

People who are diagnosed with cognitive impairments or dementia are urged to talk to their doctors about the diagnostics. If Alzheimer’s disease is suspected, a PET scan may provide the insights necessary to more definitively diagnose or rule out this progressive condition. Spinal taps may also be used to determine if amyloid is present. Other, less invasive, tests are being developed, but are not as of yet available.

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PET / CT of Las Colinas was developed with both patients and physicians in mind and our services have been used for various types of disease; primarily in detecting, staging and monitoring cancer, but also in heart disease and brain disorders.