Metabolic Brain Imaging

Metabolic brain imaging is a medical technique that provides invaluable insights into the functioning of the brain by examining its metabolic activity

Amyloid plaques, composed of abnormal protein deposits, are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology. Amyloid brain imaging allows for the non-invasive visualization and quantification of these plaques, providing valuable insights into the progression of the disease.

One of the primary imaging techniques used for amyloid detection is positron emission tomography (PET). During a PET scan, a small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. This tracer binds to amyloid plaques in the brain, emitting signals that are captured by the PET scanner. This information is then used to generate detailed images of amyloid distribution in the brain.

Early detection of amyloid plaques is crucial for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages when intervention may be more effective. Amyloid brain imaging not only aids in diagnosis but also helps researchers monitor disease progression and assess the effectiveness of potential treatments.