When you or someone you care about is experiencing memory problems or other changes in thinking, you may be considering an amyloid PET scan. This specialized type of scan helps healthcare providers see certain changes in the brain that could be linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what an amyloid PET scan can reveal, how it can guide decisions about treatment, and what to consider if you are thinking about having this scan. We’ll also cover practical details like costs, insurance coverage, and how to talk with your provider about whether the scan is right for you.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or preparing for a scan that’s already been recommended, this information can help you feel more informed and confident about your next steps.
What an amyloid PET scan can show
An amyloid PET scan is designed to provide detailed information about specific changes in the brain that may be linked to memory problems or other issues with thinking. Learning what the scan can show, and what it cannot show, will help you and your healthcare provider decide whether this test is the right step for you.
What can an amyloid PET scan reveal about brain changes linked to memory loss or cognitive decline?
An amyloid PET scan can help reveal whether certain changes in the brain may be linked to memory problems or trouble with thinking skills. Specifically, the scan is designed to show whether there is an unusual buildup of amyloid plaques, which are clusters of protein that can collect between brain cells and interfere with how the brain works. These plaques are one of the key features often found in people experiencing certain types of cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Because the scan captures highly detailed images of how the brain is functioning, it gives healthcare providers a clearer view of possible changes that are not always obvious through symptoms alone. This can be especially helpful if memory loss or cognitive problems have been difficult to explain through other tests or evaluations.
How can this type of scan help identify abnormal amyloid buildup in the brain?
An amyloid PET scan works by using a small amount of a safe imaging agent that highlights areas of amyloid buildup in the brain. Once the scan is performed, the resulting images allow providers to see how much amyloid is present and where it is located. This makes it possible to distinguish between normal age-related changes and patterns that suggest abnormal buildup.
By identifying amyloid early, the scan can help inform decisions about next steps in care. For many people, this information offers valuable insight, helping them and their healthcare team understand what may be contributing to their symptoms, as well as what kinds of treatments or support may be appropriate.
What kinds of conditions are healthcare providers evaluating when they recommend this scan?
Healthcare providers often recommend an amyloid PET scan when they are trying to better understand symptoms like unexplained memory loss, confusion, or other changes in thinking or behavior. The scan can be an important tool for evaluating whether amyloid plaques are present, which may suggest a higher likelihood of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or certain other forms of dementia.
In some cases, the scan helps rule out amyloid buildup, which can guide the search for other possible causes of symptoms. This can prevent unnecessary treatments and allow healthcare providers to focus on finding the right diagnosis and the most helpful care plan for each person’s unique situation.
Schedule your amyloid PET appointment at a location near you today
How amyloid PET scan results can help guide your care
The insights gained from an amyloid PET scan can help explain what might be contributing to your symptoms and guide decisions about what to do next. We will walk you through how scan results are used, how they can help clarify what is going on, and how they have shaped care for others in similar situations.
How can results from an amyloid PET scan help clarify the cause of symptoms like memory loss or confusion?
When a provider orders an amyloid PET scan, one of the main goals is to find out whether amyloid plaques could be playing a role in the symptoms you are experiencing. If the scan shows a high level of amyloid buildup, that may suggest a higher likelihood of a condition such as Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, if there is little or no amyloid present, it helps rule out certain types of dementia and points the provider toward exploring other possible causes.
For many people, having a clearer understanding of what may be behind symptoms like memory problems, confusion, or changes in thinking is a relief. It allows both patients and providers to move beyond uncertainty and focus on finding the right explanations and the most helpful care options.
How can your provider use scan results to guide decisions about next steps in your care?
The information from an amyloid PET scan helps your provider create a care plan that is more closely matched to your individual needs. If the scan indicates abnormal amyloid buildup, your provider may recommend certain medications, therapies, or lifestyle adjustments that have been shown to help in managing symptoms linked to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. You may also be connected with additional resources, such as memory care specialists or support programs for patients and families.
If the scan does not show significant amyloid buildup, your provider can focus on investigating other potential causes of your symptoms. This helps avoid unnecessary treatments and ensures that you are not being treated for a condition you do not have. In either case, the results of the scan give your provider valuable information to make more informed choices about how to proceed.
What are some examples of how amyloid PET scan results have helped shape care for other patients?
For some patients, a positive amyloid PET scan result has led to an earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, allowing them to start treatments and plan for the future while still in the early stages of the condition. In other cases, a negative scan result has helped patients avoid being misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s and instead pursue testing for other conditions, such as depression, medication side effects, or other medical issues that can cause similar symptoms.
In both situations, having clear answers from an amyloid PET scan can give patients and their loved ones greater confidence about the path ahead. It can also help guide discussions with healthcare providers about what kinds of care and support will be most helpful moving forward.
Deciding whether an amyloid PET scan fits your healthcare needs
If you and your provider are considering an amyloid PET scan, it’s natural to wonder whether this test is the best fit for your situation. The decision depends on many factors, including your symptoms, medical history, and what your provider is hoping to learn. This section will help you understand how those pieces fit together and give you ideas for how to talk with your provider about whether this scan is the right choice for you.
How do your symptoms and medical history influence the decision to get an amyloid PET scan?
Your provider will consider your current symptoms when deciding whether an amyloid PET scan may be helpful. For example, if you are experiencing memory loss, confusion, or changes in thinking or behavior that do not have a clear explanation, a scan can provide valuable insight. The more complex or unexplained your symptoms are, the more this type of scan may add to the understanding of what is happening.
Your overall medical history also plays an important role. If you have other health conditions, take certain medications, or have had past neurological issues, those factors can influence whether an amyloid PET scan is likely to give helpful answers. Your provider will weigh all of this information carefully when recommending next steps.
How can your provider’s goals for diagnosis and care planning help you decide whether this scan is the right next step?
Every healthcare provider approaches diagnosis and care planning with a goal of understanding what is causing your symptoms and how best to help you. An amyloid PET scan is one tool that can support this process, especially if your provider wants more clarity about whether amyloid plaques may be contributing to your condition. If knowing this information would make a meaningful difference in your care plan, like helping guide treatments or connecting you with specific resources, the scan may be an appropriate option.
On the other hand, if your provider already has enough information to move forward with care or if another test might be more helpful at this stage, you might decide to hold off on an amyloid PET scan. Your provider can help you understand how the results would (or would not) affect decisions about your care.
What questions can help you and your provider talk through whether this scan is appropriate for your situation?
It’s always a good idea to have an open conversation with your provider when deciding about any type of scan or test. You might ask questions like:
- What do you hope to learn from this scan?
- How would the results change my care plan?
- Are there other tests that might give us similar information?
- What are the risks and benefits of having this scan now, rather than later?
Talking through these kinds of questions can help you feel more confident about your decision. It also ensures that you and your provider are on the same page about what will best support your health and well-being moving forward.
What to know about insurance coverage, costs, and access to amyloid PET scans
Before scheduling an amyloid PET scan, it is helpful to know what to expect in terms of insurance coverage, costs, and where you can have the scan done. Because this type of scan is specialized, coverage and availability can vary. This section will walk you through how to check your insurance benefits, what to ask about possible out-of-pocket costs, and how to find a location that offers the scan.
How can you find out what your insurance may cover for an amyloid PET scan?
Insurance coverage for amyloid PET scans depends on several factors, including your individual plan and the reason the scan is being recommended. One of the best ways to find out what your insurance may cover is to call the member services number listed on your insurance card. You can ask specifically about coverage for an amyloid PET scan and whether any prior authorization is needed before you schedule the scan.
Your provider’s office may also be able to help check insurance benefits and submit any required paperwork. Having this information ahead of time can help you avoid surprises and plan for any costs that may not be covered.
What should you ask your provider or imaging center about out-of-pocket costs?
Even if insurance covers part of the scan, you may still have some out-of-pocket costs, such as a copay or coinsurance. It is a good idea to ask your provider or the imaging center about the full cost of the scan and what your portion might be after insurance is applied. They can often provide an estimate and help you understand how payment would work.
You may also want to ask whether payment plans or financial assistance are available if you expect the costs to be challenging. Knowing your options in advance can help you make an informed decision about moving forward with the scan.
How to schedule an appointment with us
Our goal is to offer you and your healthcare provider the most informative results possible, and we make it easy for you to get an appointment.
With numerous locations across South Jersey, you’ll find us conveniently located near major highways and key bridges in the region.
We’ll ensure the entire scheduling process is as effortless as possible for you. Above all, we are here to help you.
- Mount Laurel Office – Mount Laurel, NJ
- Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
- Voorhees (Carnie Boulevard) Office – Voorhees Township, NJ
Learn more about the board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read, analyze and interpret the findings here at South Jersey Radiology Associates.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can call the imaging center directly or visit their website to check whether they offer the specific scan your healthcare provider recommended.
Look for centers with experienced staff, accreditation, clear pricing information, and positive reviews from other patients.
You can contact the imaging center’s billing department or your insurance provider to confirm whether the center is in-network and what your coverage includes.
Yes, some centers may have more advanced equipment or more experienced technicians, which can affect the quality of the images and the accuracy of the results.
Ask the imaging center for an estimate of costs based on your insurance, including any copays or coinsurance you may be responsible for.
Yes, choosing a center that communicates well with your provider can help ensure your scan results are shared quickly and clearly, supporting better care decisions.
You might ask about preparation instructions, how long the appointment will take, when to expect results, and what the payment process will be.
Yes, many patients prefer outpatient centers for their convenience, lower costs, and more personalized service.
