Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimer's Disease
June 22, 2009 | Evidence Reports
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This report examines the use of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Other positron emission tomography (PET) tracers, imaging modalities, and types of dementia are outside the scope of this report.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairments and memory loss. The disease primarily affects the elderly.
A definitive diagnosis of AD can be made only by post‑mortem examination of the brain. Premortem clinical diagnosis of AD, particularly during the early stages of the disease, is not straightforward. Many other conditions can...