Brain amyloid PET scans enhance the diagnosis of Alzheimer's

The build-up of amyloid protein in the brain is a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease, and its detection often relies on the testing of brain and spinal fluid samples. More recently, PET brain scans have been able to highlight the presence of amyloid in the brain and are extensively used in research studies into Alzheimer’s, such as clinical trials for new treatments. However, whether amyloid PET scans provide additional and more accurate information to aid dementia diagnosis is not clear cut, and the high costs associated with the scans (between £1,000-3,000 per scan) have so far limited their wider clinical use. Three studies presented today at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2016 are challenging this view.

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