Concerns about thinking and memory are not unusual as we grow older. While minor changes are usually not a concern, sometimes changes are more worrisome. If you are noticing changes in memory or thinking that seem unusual or serious, your healthcare provider may recommend an amyloid PET scan to check for amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. Amyloid plaque buildup is common in people who have Alzheimer’s disease.
As part of a comprehensive evaluation, an amyloid PET scan can help determine whether Alzheimer’s plays a role when a person is struggling with thinking and memory. When an amyloid PET scan finds amyloid plaques, it does not necessarily mean you have Alzheimer’s, but it can help guide your treatment. We’ll show you exactly what to expect from your upcoming amyloid PET scan.
Understanding amyloid PET scans for Alzheimer’s disease
Amyloid PET scans are an accurate way to identify amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The presence or absence of these plaques can help your provider narrow down suspected origins of troubled thinking. With additional cognitive testing and review of symptoms and medical history, your provider will have a more complete picture of your cognitive health.
How does an amyloid PET scan detect the signs of Alzheimer’s disease? What are amyloid plaques?
Amyloid plaques are a specific type of protein buildup in the brain that is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease. An amyloid PET scan uses something called a tracer that will attach itself to these plaques, and any amyloid plaques will appear on your PET results, showing areas where plaques have accumulated in the brain. Depending on the location and severity of the plaques, your provider can draw conclusions about the suspected source of memory difficulty.
Why is an amyloid PET scan recommended for the early detection of Alzheimer’s?
An amyloid PET scan is helpful in guiding your provider to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, and as necessary, to help create a treatment plan. Although other assessments are also helpful in diagnosing memory loss and trouble thinking, only an amyloid PET scan detects amyloid plaques in the brain. Early detection of the plaques allows for possible treatments to slow progression of the disease, as well as interventions to manage symptoms that may be present.
What will my amyloid PET results tell my healthcare provider?
While amyloid plaque buildup is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, it is not a definitive diagnosis. Your amyloid PET results will help your healthcare provider narrow down the causes of your symptoms. If no amyloid plaques are present, it could be that conditions other than Alzheimer’s are responsible for your symptoms. Knowing this allows for more effective approaches to managing any potential memory loss and cognitive difficulties.
View our available amyloid PET/CT appointments at a location near you today
How to get ready for your amyloid PET scan
Thinking about an amyloid PET scan might make you feel nervous, but rest assured that your results will help guide your provider, who wants the best possible outcome for your cognitive health. The results of your PET scan are only one part of the overall cognitive picture, and your provider will consider your PET results alongside other diagnostic tests, even if amyloid plaques are present in your scan.
What should I do to prepare for an amyloid PET scan appointment?
While typically there are no special preparations before an amyloid PET scan, your provider will give you information on preparing for the scan, so be sure to review those before your appointment. If you have any questions about how to prepare, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.
Is it OK to eat, drink, and take my medications as normally before my PET scan?
Generally, you can eat, drink, and take medications before an amyloid PET scan, but you should be certain to follow the instructions given to you by your provider before the scan. That’s because your healthcare provider may ask you to limit what you eat and drink, and they may ask you to pause your medications, so be sure to check with them before your scan.
What should I wear to my appointment? What should I bring with me?
You will want to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the scan. You do not need to bring any special items, and should avoid metal jewelry or metal zippers on clothing for the scan, since metal can interfere with your PET results. For example, if you wear glasses or use a hearing aid, you may be asked to remove them during your scan.
What to expect during your amyloid PET scan for Alzheimer’s
You may be feeling anxious about an upcoming amyloid PET scan, but the scan itself is not painful, and is quick and easy for most people. We’ll show you how to prepare for your amyloid PET scan, what happens during the scan, and what to expect after your PET scan.
Why do I need a tracer for my amyloid PET scan? What does a tracer do?
An amyloid PET scan uses a tracer to identify areas of amyloid plaques in the brain. This tracer will be given through an IV injection so it can reach the areas of your brain that are being scanned.
You may have concerns that the tracer is a radioactive element, but the tracer is used in many types of medical imaging, and will fade away after the test. While a radioactive tracer to highlight amyloid plaques may sound scary, the amount of radiation is about that of an X-ray, and it has been proven safe when used in PET scans.
What should I expect during my amyloid PET scan?
Your amyloid PET scan appointment will begin with an IV injection of a tracer. Once the tracer is absorbed, you will lie down on a padded table that slides slowly into the PET machine, which is shaped kind of like a doughnut and is open at both ends.
Your technologist will be with you the whole time, to make sure you’re comfortable, and to respond to any concerns you may have. You’ll be able to communicate with your technologist during the scan.
During your amyloid PET scan, the machine will take a continuous series of images, and you will be asked to lie still as the pictures are taken. That helps ensure that you get the most accurate possible results.
How long will my scan take? How long will my whole appointment take?
The whole appointment typically lasts between one and two hours. That’s because it takes about an hour for the tracer to absorb into your body, and while the actual scan only takes about 30 minutes, your technologist will need enough prep time to make sure you get accurate PET results.
After your amyloid PET scan
Most people can resume normal activities after the scan, but be sure to follow your provider’s instructions for aftercare, since they’ll tailor their instructions to your needs and your condition. Let’s get a closer look at how your PET results are analyzed, how long it takes to get your results, and what questions you should ask your provider about your results.
How are my amyloid PET results analyzed for amyloid plaques?
After your scan is complete, your images will be analyzed by one of our radiologists, who are trained to understand and interpret the diagnostic scans. The radiologist will look for the extent of amyloid plaque formations, as well as the locations of these plaques in the brain, to help interpret the results.
We will share these results with your provider, as part of the overall assessment process. Remember, the presence of amyloid plaques in your PET results is not in itself a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The scan results are one part of an overall effort to understand what is happening when people experience cognitive difficulties.
How long will it take to get the results from my PET scan?
Once your scan is complete, the radiologist will create a detailed report, which is typically completed and sent to your provider in about 48 hours. Once your provider receives the report, they will need time to review the findings and schedule a time with you to review the results. Usually, you’ll find out your results within a week.
What questions should I ask my provider about my amyloid PET results?
While there may be questions specific to your situation, here are some common questions to ask your healthcare provider about your amyloid PET results:
- Was amyloid plaque detected on the scan? If so, how extensive are the plaques, and which areas of my brain are most affected?
- If plaques are found, does this mean I have Alzheimer’s disease? What other tests will I need for a full diagnosis?
- If no plaques are found, what other factors might be responsible for the symptoms I am experiencing?
- What approaches are available to help me manage and control my symptoms?
- What can I expect to happen next? What are the long-term implications of my scans and overall cognitive assessment?
- Where can I get support if my cognition gets worse?
Your healthcare provider will be ready to answer any questions you have about your amyloid PET results, so that you can best understand your cognitive health, as well as your options for care.
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.
Reach out to us at any of the following locations to book an appointment:
Learn more about the board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read, analyze and interpret the findings here at South Jersey Radiology Associates.
Frequently Asked Questions
An amyloid PET scan uses a special tracer to highlight amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease in the brain.
An amyloid PET scan can help detect Alzheimer’s disease early, potentially improving your options for treatment and care.
Your results can show if amyloid plaques are present, and where they are located in the brain, helping your doctor assess the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease.
Your healthcare provider may ask you to avoid certain foods or medications before the scan, so be sure to follow their guidance carefully.
You may be asked to avoid food for a few hours before the scan, but to be certain, you should check with your provider for specific instructions.
You’ll receive an injection of a tracer that will help the PET scan see amyloid plaques, then you’ll wait about an hour, and then you will lie on a table that will move you inside the doughnut-shaped scanner.
The entire process, including preparation and scanning, typically lasts between one and two hours.
Results are usually available within about a week, and your provider will review them, and then contact you to explain what your results mean.