Imaging for Anti-Amyloid Treatments
Understanding the Role of Beta-Amyloid Therapy and PET/CT
What is amyloid, and how do amyloid plaques form in the brain?
Amyloid refers to a group of abnormal proteins that can accumulate in the brain and other organs and tissues throughout the body. Amyloid plaques are clumps of misfolded amyloid proteins that gather in the spaces between nerve cells.
What are amyloid plaques in the brain typically associated with?
These plaques are often associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, where they disrupt cell communication and are believed to contribute to the degeneration of brain function, particularly in areas related to memory and cognition.
How can Northern California PET Imaging Center (NCPIC) and PET/CT technology assist in diagnosing amyloid plaques?
Northern California PET Imaging Center (NCPIC) utilizes advanced PET/CT technology to assist in diagnosing amyloid plaques in the brain which are crucial indicators of Alzheimer’s disease. NCPIC is one of the leading facilities in the USA for amyloid diagnosis and is a globally recognized center-of-excellence in dementia imaging.
How can a patient get an amyloid PET/CT exam?
To get an amyloid PET/CT test, a patient should be referred to a neurology care team expert (e.g. neurologist), who can then order the test if needed.
How does an amyloid PET/CT work?
An amyloid PET/CT scan is a specialized imaging test that detects amyloid plaques in the brain using a radiotracer. The PET component highlights plaque areas, while the CT provides detailed anatomical images. This combined PET/CT approach aids clinical amyloid diagnosis.
How does an amyloid PET/CT work?
An amyloid PET/CT scan is a specialized imaging test that detects amyloid plaques in the brain
by combining PET to highlight plaque areas with CT for detailed anatomical images. This
combined PET/CT approach aids in providing accurate answers for clinical amyloid diagnosis.
What are anti-amyloid treatments?
Anti-amyloid treatments are newly FDA-approved treatments for dementia that may reduce amyloid plaques in the brain, which are believed to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid Negative (left) Amyloid Positive (Right) PET/CT Imaging System at NCPIC FDA Approved Anti-Amyloid Treatment
What are the available anti-amyloid treatments available today?
Leqembi® and Kisunla™ are available treatments for patients with diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer’s disease. Your neurology care team can assess treatment eligibility.
Is a confirmed amyloid diagnosis required for anti-amyloid therapy?
Yes, both Kisunla™ and Leqembi® require a confirmed amyloid diagnosis and an expert neurology consultation to determine medication eligibility.
How do patients receive a positive Alzheimer’s Diagnosis?
A patients’ neurology care team determines a positive clinical Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Are there any alternative diagnostic tests to confirm an amyloid plaque diagnosis?
Patients may opt for a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test as an alternative to PET/CT, which uses a spinal puncture to measure Alzheimer’s related protein markers.
Is Amyloid PET/CT covered by insurance?
Yes, Medicare coverage for Amyloid PET/CT started in late 2023, with local exams beginning in 2024.
No Brand Endorsement: NCPIC created this for educational purposes only to understand the relationship between PET/CT for diagnosis and the application of anti-amyloid therapy. Consult a healthcare provider for medication choices as well as available alternatives and treatments. This does not constitute a product endorsement.