Mind & Mood
High-tech scan reveals protein in the brain linked to Alzheimer's disease
Image: Thinkstock |
A special form of PET scanning offers a more certain diagnosis for some, but at a steep out-of-pocket cost.
A new kind of brain scan can detect beta amyloid, an abnormal protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. It can be helpful when, based on symptoms and a careful assessment, your doctor suspects Alzheimer's dementia but remains unsure of the final diagnosis. "If your doctor suspects that the underlying cause of your cognitive deficits is Alzheimer's disease, then a scan like this can help corroborate that," says Dr. Gad Marshall, an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. "It can help with the hard-to-call cases."
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.