Why did my healthcare provider recommend an amyloid PET scan?

November 21, 2024 – 10 min read

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Your healthcare provider may recommend an amyloid PET scan if you or a loved one has been experiencing memory loss, confusion, or other thinking difficulties. 

It can help your provider to look for specific changes in the brain that could help to explain those symptoms. 

An amyloid PET scan focuses on finding amyloid plaques in your brain, which can develop naturally as you age, but can also be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Using a PET scan to check for amyloid plaques, your provider can gather more information about what might be causing your symptoms, to guide the next steps in your care.

Amyloid plaques are sticky clumps of protein that build up in the brain over time. These clumps aren’t supposed to be there, and when they collect, they can interfere with how brain cells work and communicate with each other. 

These amyloid plaques are closely tied to Alzheimer’s disease, which is a condition that affects memory and thinking skills. Finding out whether or not these plaques are in your brain can help your provider determine if Alzheimer’s might be causing your symptoms.

How does a PET scan show amyloid plaques in the brain?

A PET scan is a type of imaging test that helps your provider see what’s going on inside your brain. An amyloid PET scan will help your provider to see if any plaques have collected in your brain.

For an amyloid PET scan, you’ll be given a small amount of a special substance called a tracer. This tracer is attracted to amyloid plaques, if any are present. Once in your brain, the tracer highlights these plaques, making them visible in the images taken by the PET scanner.

What can an amyloid PET scan tell my provider about the possible causes of cognitive symptoms?

An amyloid PET scan can provide key insights about what might be causing your memory or thinking problems. If the scan shows amyloid plaques, it could indicate that Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition may be responsible. If no plaques are found, your healthcare provider can focus on other potential causes, like different brain conditions or even treatable issues such as vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects.

Using amyloid PET scans for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

One of the main reasons your healthcare provider may have recommended an amyloid PET scan is to help detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. By catching these changes early, your provider can get a clearer picture of what might be happening in your brain, and whether Alzheimer’s disease could factor into your healthcare. 

If amyloid plaques show up on my PET results, does it mean I have Alzheimer’s disease?

Finding amyloid plaques on your PET scan doesn’t automatically mean you have Alzheimer’s disease. While amyloid plaques are a key feature of Alzheimer’s, some people have these plaques in their brain but never develop the disease. 

The presence of plaques is just one piece of the puzzle. Your healthcare provider will consider other factors, like your symptoms and medical history, before making a diagnosis. It’s also possible for plaques to show up in other conditions, so the PET scan results are used alongside other information to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

Why is it important to find amyloid plaques early?

Detecting amyloid plaques early can give you and your healthcare provider valuable time to better understand your condition and make informed decisions about your care. Alzheimer’s disease can progress gradually, and the brain changes can start years before symptoms like memory loss and confusion become noticeable. 

By spotting amyloid plaques early, your provider can monitor changes over time and potentially catch the disease before it significantly affects your daily life. Early detection also opens the door to treatments and lifestyle changes that may help slow the progression of symptoms.

How does early detection for Alzheimer’s support my care and treatment options?

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease can be an important step in managing your health. If amyloid plaques are found and Alzheimer’s is diagnosed early, there are more opportunities to explore treatment options that could help slow the progression of the disease. Knowing about a diagnosis early on allows you to make proactive plans, to adjust your lifestyle as needed, and to discuss long-term care strategies with your provider and loved ones.

Knowing what to expect before, during, and after an amyloid PET scan

Understanding what to expect before, during, and after your amyloid PET scan can help ease your concerns so that you’re fully prepared on the day of your appointment. We’ll walk you through how to get ready for your appointment, what happens during the scan, and how you’ll receive your results afterward.

How should I get ready for my upcoming amyloid PET scan appointment?

Your provider will give you specific instructions for your scan, so be sure to follow their directions for your specific circumstances. 

In most cases, patients can eat and drink as usual, although sometimes you might be asked to avoid caffeine or certain foods before the scan. Be sure to let your provider know about any medications you’re taking, as some might need to be paused for the day of the test. 

Wear comfortable clothing, and leave any jewelry at home, as metal can interfere with the scan. It’s also a good idea to bring your ID and your medical information, just to make sure your imaging center has everything they need to go ahead with your scan.

What happens during an amyloid PET scan? How long does it take?

When you arrive for your amyloid PET scan, you’ll first be given a small injection that includes the tracer, which can highlight amyloid plaques in your brain. After the injection, you’ll need to wait for about 30 to 60 minutes to allow the tracer to travel through your bloodstream and reach your brain. 

Once the tracer has had time to circulate, you’ll lie down on a scanning table, and the PET scan will begin. The scanner moves gradually around your head, capturing detailed images of your brain, including areas where the tracer highlights any plaques. To make sure you get clear results, you’ll need to stay as still as possible during the scan.

The scan itself usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The entire appointment, including your waiting time and prep time, usually lasts about an hour and a half to two hours.

How will I find out my amyloid PET results? Will it take long to hear back?

After your PET scan, the images will be analyzed by a radiologist, who will look for any signs of amyloid plaques in your brain. Our radiologist will then send your amyloid PET images to your healthcare provider, who will examine them, and then reach out to discuss your results.

It will take about a week or so to receive your results. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss the findings, and explain what they mean for your situation. They will go over the results with you in detail, helping you understand the next steps in your care. If any follow-up tests or appointments are needed, your provider will guide you through those as well.

Monitoring your brain health over time

An amyloid PET scan can also help your healthcare provider monitor how your brain changes over the years. If your provider has recommended routine amyloid PET scans, they can use your results to track changes in your brain, and better understand how your cognitive symptoms are progressing. Routine scans give your provider important information that can guide your care as time goes on.

How can regular amyloid PET scans help my provider track any brain changes?

Routine amyloid PET scans allow your healthcare provider to see how your brain health is changing over time. These scans can reveal if amyloid plaques are building up or if there are other changes in your brain that might explain shifts in your memory or thinking abilities. 

By comparing results from multiple scans over the years, your provider can get a clearer picture of how fast or slow these changes are happening. This ongoing monitoring is particularly important if you’re at risk for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, where early intervention and treatment can make a big difference in your potential outcomes.

What does my healthcare provider look for in follow-up scans to monitor disease progression?

In follow-up amyloid PET scans, your healthcare provider will look for any increase in the amount or spread of amyloid plaques. This can help them determine whether your condition is stable or if it’s progressing. Any brain changes can provide clues about how your symptoms may develop in the future.

How can amyloid PET scans support long-term management or treatment plans for cognitive issues?

By providing a clear view of what’s happening in your brain, amyloid PET scans help your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment. If the scans show that your condition is progressing, your provider might recommend changes to your medications, therapies, or other treatments to better manage your symptoms. 

Even if the scan results show little or no change, that information is still valuable, since it can reassure you and your provider that your current treatment plan is working. Routine monitoring with amyloid PET scans and additional imaging studies ensures that your care is tailored to your specific needs as they evolve.

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

What are amyloid plaques, and why are they important in Alzheimer’s disease?

Amyloid plaques are clumps of protein that can build up in the brain and disrupt brain cell communication, and are often linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

How does a PET scan detect amyloid plaques in the brain?

A PET scan uses a special tracer that is attracted to amyloid plaques, making them visible in your PET results.

How can an amyloid PET scan help identify the cause of memory or thinking issues?

The scan can show whether amyloid plaques are present, guiding your healthcare provider on whether Alzheimer’s or another condition might be behind your symptoms.

Does finding amyloid plaques on my PET scan mean I have Alzheimer’s disease?

Not necessarily: while amyloid plaques are associated with Alzheimer’s, it doesn’t mean you will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Why is it beneficial to detect amyloid plaques early?

Early detection allows for proactive treatment and care planning before cognitive symptoms worsen significantly.

How does early Alzheimer’s detection impact my treatment options?

Knowing about Alzheimer’s early gives you access to more treatment options that may help manage or slow the progression of symptoms.

How long does an amyloid PET scan appointment take?

Your entire amyloid PET appointment will last about one to two hours, including the prep and scanning time.

How can regular amyloid PET scans help monitor my brain health over time?

Follow-up scans allow your provider to track any changes in plaque buildup, helping them adjust your treatment as needed, for better long-term management.