New Mexico’s only
PET Scan that may
help detect Alzheimer’s
New Hope For
Alzheimer’s Treatment
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases.
Until recently, there were very few treatment options for dementia syndromes such as Alzheimer’s disease. But recent breakthroughs have resulted in new drug and non-drug possibilities, yielding positive and promising outcomes. The amyloid PET scan is helping in the diagnosis of these dementia syndromes. It measures the buildup of abnormal amyloid protein in the brain, one of the key hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, revealing aspects of brain function which can’t be seen in any other way.
The only amyloid imaging agent with FDA approval for native color image interpretation
- PET, which stands for positron emission tomography, is a noninvasive imaging tool that takes pictures similar to a CT scan.
- Before the image is taken, an imaging agentv that binds to amyloid plaque in the brain, is injected into the vein in the arm.
- Images of the brain are taken and a physician evaluates them to determine whether or not the images show evidence of amyloid plaques.
On the day of the Exam
Drink plenty of liquid one day before and after the scan
Wear comfortable clothing
Ask a family member/guardian to join you for support
During the Exam
An imaging agent will be injected through the intravenous line
in your arm. Wait 1-2 hours for absorbtion.
Lie as still as possible on a table with head support for 20 minutes