Positron emission
tomography or PET uses sophisticated computer analysis to provide
accurate images of the brain. Unlike MRI or CT images, a PET scan provides a detailed image of one's brain function instead
of its structure. PET works by injecting radioactive variants of
molecules like glucose, oxygen, neurotransmitters, and hormones in
the bloodstream to be carried throughout the body. A PET scanner then
detects these radioactive molecules that emit radiation, allowing for
the study of its uptake and distribution in the brain. In a PET
image, the patches where accumulated radiation is highest (active) is
typically red and lowest (decreased activity) is usually colored
blue.
PET Imaging Used
for Diagnosing Memory Disorders
While MRI and CT can
give detailed images of the brain's structure, PET imaging are better
at detecting functional abnormalities in the brain. Specialists say
that it's even possible to detect these abnormalities very early in
the course of the disease and before any anatomical changes occur.
The decrease or increase in glucose metabolism at a cellular level
are said to be the results of disorders that start with functional
abnormalities.
Among the brain
disorders that can be detected early using PET imaging is Alzheimer's
disease. A recent study by UC Berkeley researchers shows that it's
possible to detect early signs of Alzheimer's using these scans to
see the decline in glucose metabolism associated with decreased
cognitive function. The brain of a patient with normal levels of
glucose metabolism will look different in a PET scan compared to the
brain of patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's
disease.
Early Detection
of Brain Diseases
While little can be
done to stop or reverse the decline caused by memory disorders like
Alzheimer's disease, doctors are looking for means to detect these
disorders early. Brain scans and cognitive tests can be a good
warning system for the subsequent development of a brain disease.
Sources:
Positron Emission
Tomography (PET), memorylossonline.com
PET Scans
Obtained for Evaluation of Cognitive Dysfunction,
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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