Amyloid PET Scans May Offer Hope for Dementia Treatment

While the jury is still out on whether early detection of dementia through the use of amyloid PET scans can improve patient outcomes, researchers are working to find out. In fact, the first randomized clinical trials are under way to see just how useful these scans might be in detecting cognitive conditions and giving doctors a leg up on treating them.

Preliminary findings related to PET imaging and dementia treatment are encouraging. The ability of these scans to detect amyloid proteins on the brain, which are commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, have enabled doctors to more readily treat patients in a more targeted manner. Patients whose doctors received more immediate feedback courtesy of these scans were shown in initial studies to have more significant changes in their care management plans that more directly target the appropriate cognitive condition.

As it stands currently, the only way to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and distinguish it from other forms of dementia for appropriate treatment is through the use of post-morbidity autopsies. Amyloid PET scans are designed to enable clinicians to see amyloid protein buildups on the brain in patients who are alive. A strong presence of buildup indicates the likelihood of Alzheimer’s without necessarily ruling out other possible causes.

PET scans are radiological procedures that are somewhat like an X-ray. These scans, however, offer a more in-depth look inside the body at soft tissues and organs like the brain. Whether PET scans will become commonplace in dementia diagnosis remains to be seen, but their potential benefits in helping doctors better treat Alzheimer’s and other conditions is offering a strong glimmer of hope for better patient outcomes down the road. While Alzheimer’s cannot be cured, the disease can often be slowed in its progression if early intervention that is condition appropriate occurs.

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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.

The PET / CT of Las Colinas is conveniently located within the Las Colinas Cancer Center on the Southwest corner of HWY 161 and Las Colinas Blvd. It is located adjacent to the Regions Bank and across HWY 161 from the Las Colinas Medical Center.