Amyloid PET/CT

TRA PET/CT Specialty Coordinators: 253-680-3400

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or cognitive changes, your doctor may recommend an Amyloid PET/CT scan. This specialized imaging test helps detect amyloid plaques, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. While the presence of amyloid plaques does not always mean you have Alzheimer’s, the scan can provide valuable information to help guide diagnosis and treatment.

Below, we answer common patient questions about what to expect before, during, and after an Amyloid PET scan, as well as who is eligible, how it compares to other brain imaging tests, and whether insurance covers it.

About the Amyloid PET Scan

What is an Amyloid PET/CT Scan?

• A non-invasive imaging test that detects amyloid plaques in the brain.
• Helps doctors assess whether amyloid buildup may be contributing to memory loss or cognitive decline.

How does an Amyloid PET/CT scan work?

• A small amount of radioactive tracer (Fluorine-18) is injected into your bloodstream.
• The tracer binds to amyloid plaques, making them visible on a PET/CT scanner.
• A radiologist analyzes the images to determine whether amyloid is present and to what extent.

How does an Amyloid PET/CT scan compare to an MRI?

Amyloid Plaques and Their Role in the Brain

How do Amyloid plaques form in the brain?

• Amyloid plaques develop when beta-amyloid protein fragments clump together between brain cells.
• Normally, the body clears these fragments, but in some cases, they accumulate and form plaques.

What do Amyloid plaques do in the brain, and what does it mean?

• Amyloid plaques can disrupt communication between brain cells, leading to:
  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Cognitive decline
• However, the presence of plaques does not always mean a person has Alzheimer’s disease.

Are there treatments for Amyloid plaque?

Yes, there are newly FDA-approved anti-amyloid treatments designed to target and reduce amyloid plaques in the brain. These treatments aim to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by clearing amyloid buildup, which is believed to contribute to cognitive decline.

At TRA Medical Imaging, we offer Amyloid PET/CT scans to help determine whether a patient has significant amyloid plaque buildup. This imaging can assist doctors in assessing eligibility for anti-amyloid treatments and monitoring their effectiveness over time.

Eligibility and Preparation for the Scan

Who is eligible for an Amyloid PET scan?

• Patients with memory loss, cognitive impairment, or a suspected neurodegenerative condition.
• Often recommended when other tests, such as MRI or cognitive assessments, do not provide a clear diagnosis.

How do I prepare for an Amyloid PET scan?

• Wear comfortable clothing and avoid metal objects.

What to Expect During and After the Scan

What happens during the scan?

1. You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer through an IV.
2. A waiting period of 30–60 minutes allows the tracer to circulate in your brain.
3. You will lie still on a PET/CT scanner table while images are taken (10-15 minutes).
4. The entire process takes about 1.5 hours.

Are there any side effects or risks?

• Minimal radiation exposure, similar to other imaging scans.
• Most patients experience no side effects, though mild discomfort at the injection site is possible.

What happens after the scan?

• Your results will be analyzed by a radiologist and sent to your doctor.
• Your doctor will discuss the findings and next steps for treatment or follow-up testing.

Does the scan diagnose Alzheimer’s disease?

• No, an Amyloid PET scan alone cannot diagnose Alzheimer’s.
• It identifies amyloid plaques, but a diagnosis also requires:
  • Cognitive tests
  • Neurological exams
  • Medical history review

Cost and Provider Experience

Does insurance cover an Amyloid PET scan?

• Medicare covers the scan in certain cases, such as clinical trials.
• Private insurance coverage varies—check with your provider.
• Out-of-pocket costs may apply if the scan is not covered.

Is TRA Medical Imaging experienced in Amyloid PET scans?

Yes! TRA Medical Imaging is a leader in advanced imaging, providing state-of-the-art Amyloid PET scans for accurate amyloid plaque detection.

Can I contact TRA for more information?

Absolutely! We’re happy to answer your questions. Call us to learn more about Amyloid PET scans and scheduling an appointment.

Amyloid PET/CT scans are transforming the way we evaluate cognitive decline and assess the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or cognitive changes, this advanced imaging can provide valuable insights to help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

TRA Medical Imaging is committed to providing expert, compassionate care with state-of-the-art imaging technology. Contact our TRA PET/CT Specialty Coordinators to learn more or schedule your Amyloid PET scan today: 253-680-3400.