PET/CT Scan for Alzheimer's OklahomaOklahoma

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually affecting the essential abilities to perform tasks. Usually, most people with the disease with late-onset symptoms may find it in their late 60s, while early-onset symptoms are rare in people from the 30s – 60s age group. Sadly, around 6 million Americans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s disease in the year 2023. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Every 3 seconds, 1 person is affected with dementia in the world, making it one of the significant causes of disability among older people globally.

Honestly, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, but several risks can increase the likelihood of the disease. For instance, it is more common among older people, so advancing age is common. Meanwhile, genetics play a huge role, too. If a parent or sibling has a history of brain disorder, it can increase the chances. Even your heart health can increase the risk of Alzheimer's with high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Others are poor diet, lack of exercise, and severe head injuries, which can lead to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

How Does PET/CT scan Diagnose Alzheimer's Disease?

In Alzheimer's disease, there is an abnormal buildup of proteins in and around brain cells, and PET/CT scans can help in diagnosis. PET scans can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by observing beta-amyloid plaque deposits found in the brain. During the procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected in the patient that joins with amyloid deposits in the brain and can be visualized through PET/CT scan images. Patients with Alzheimer’s have more amyloid deposits in specific brain areas. This diagnosis can help detect early brain changes due to Alzheimer's before symptoms become apparent.

Changes in the brain may appear a decade before the symptoms appear. During these early stages of Alzheimer's disease, toxic changes are taking place in the brain, including abnormal buildups. The exact causes are unknown, but the risks mentioned above are some. The risks vary from person to person and may or may not be valid for everyone. This makes it even more complicated. So, it is always better to have a proactive approach than sitting over concerns that may worsen over time. So, schedule a PET/CT scan with Halo Body Scan in Oklahoma at (405) 477-1100 and get an expert opinion on your case.