Diagnosing Alzheimer’s is complex. With no single test currently available, diagnosis is based on an individual’s history, physical examination, and cognitive testing. Amyloid PET imaging represents a potential major advance in the assessment of those with cognitive impairment. The scan visualizes plaques present in the brain, which are prime suspects in damaging and killing nerve cells in Alzheimer's. Before amyloid PET, these plaques could only be detected by examining the brain at autopsy.
UCSF Imaging's scientists and physicians are recognized world leaders in the translation of Alzheimer's research to clinical care. Since 2003, UCSF Imaging has offered Alzheimer’s disease assessment with amyloid PET scanning for patients with memory complaints.
Amyloid PET scanning makes amyloid plaques "light up" on a brain PET scan, enabling, for the first time, accurate detection of plaques in living people. Radiology and the multidisciplinary initiatives that serve Alzheimer's patients, including the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), participate in multiple national research studies including the IDEAS (Imaging Dementia - Evidence for Amyloid Scanning) Study. UCSF is one of the world’s largest centers for evaluation of cognitive decline and dementia. We look forward to learning more about your interest in this topic and welcome you to contact us any time.
Signs of Early Alzheimer's Indications
Assessment is appropriate for patients with persistent, unexplained mild cognitive impairment, those who meet core clinical requirements for Alzheimer's disease, or those with progressive dementia and early onset.
How to Refer a Patient
For a referral for a scan through an Alzheimer's specialist, please contact:
UCSF Memory and Aging Center
Ph: (415) 353-2057
Fax: (415) 353-8292
Neurologists, gerontologists, and psychiatrists participating in the IDEAS study (Imaging Dementia - Evidence for Amyloid Scanning) can refer directly by calling Radiology Scheduling at (415) 353-3900.
Billing & Insurance: (415) 514-8888