What can PET/CT tell you about memory health issues?

Traditionally, physicians have relied on medical history, physical examination, neuropsychological evaluation, and interviews with family members to detect Alzheimer’s. But because Alzheimer’s symptoms may resemble those of other neuropsychiatric disorders, reaching an early and accurate diagnosis can be difficult.

The value of PET can be seen in the images themselves. Since PET shows the level of metabolic activity in the brain, areas of low activity can be clearly seen. A PET scan shows a very consistent diagnostic pattern for Alzheimer's disease, where certain regions of the brain have decreased metabolism early in the disease. PET/CT is also used to differentiate Alzheimer's from other types of dementia or depression.

For more information on the various types of dementia and guidance on what to do if someone you know has memory loss issues please click here.

Why is early detection so important?

While everyone knows the expression “glad we caught it early”, very few people understand the importance of recognizing Alzheimer’s in its earliest stages.

Early detection and confirmation of Alzheimer's disease allows for:

• Early drug therapy to slow the loss of the patient's ability to function.
  

  There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease but a number of new drug treatments are being developed. Drugs are now available that affect the chemical systems of the brain. If these drugs are administered early in the course of memory loss, they help delay the progression of symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Additional drug studies are underway, which hopefully will bring about more substantial improvements in the course of the disease.

• Positive and accurate diagnosis of other memory loss issues such as, chronic depression and normal aging.
  

  PET is a test that may diagnose Alzheimer's early enough to make full use of drug therapies, and also to reassure fearful patients who might not have the disease. Depression, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid problems can also cause memory issues. Accurate and early diagnosis of the cause of memory loss is the first step to possible treatment.

• Future planning before loss of mental capacity.
  

  The ability of an individual to be able to plan for their future is very important. Sharing in the decision making process before it becomes too taxing provides both the person and their loved ones a chance to make the best choices.

• Help in the discovery and development of new therapies.
  

  A number of national studies accept candidates in all stages of Alzheimer’s. These studies are conducted to better understand the evolution of the disease. For those interested in finding out more about the studies available please visit the National Institutes of Health web site.

For more information on the various types of dementia and guidance on what to do if someone you know has memory loss issues please click here.

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