Role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography in dementia

Abstract

This article provides a clinically based review of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for dementia. Significant advances in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging techniques have improved the understanding of the genetic and molecular processes that define neurodegenerative dementia diseases. Metabolic imaging remains constant in its ability to document neuronal loss and lost function. Amyloid-β radiotracers are useful in documenting amyloid deposition, differentiating origins of dementia and possibly predicting disease progression. These radiotracers may be useful in diagnosis-specific treatment. PET radiotracers have increased sensitivity and specificity to complement clinical presentation and other adjunct testing in the evaluation of dementia.

Keywords: Amyloid; Dementia; Florbetapir; PiB; Positron emission tomography; Tau.