BY: David Simmons, MD
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia in America. The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is increasing and is now greater than five million. Alzheimer’s is currently the 6th leading cause of death in America, accounting for more deaths than breast and prostate cancer combined.
Previously, Alzheimer’s disease could only be definitively diagnosed at autopsy with the identification of amyloid plaques within the brain. Recent research has led to the discovery of multiple compounds which preferentially bind to amyloid plaques and can be used in imaging exams called amyloid PET scans. One such compound is AMYViD.
OMI of Gadsden now offers amyloid PET imaging with AMYViD. The physician radiologists of Northeast Imaging have completed special training for this exam, which detects the accumulation of amyloid plaques within the brain to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
OMI and Northeast Imaging are also participating in the national IDEAS Study. The IDEAS Study will assess the impact of amyloid PET imaging on a variety of patient outcomes. The study is led by the Alzheimer’s Association and is managed by the American College of Radiology.
Millions of Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and millions more family members, loved ones, and caregivers are affected by the toll the disease can exact. Amyloid PET imaging is an important step in early detection of the disease and in the continued effort to one day find a cure. We are fortunate to now have this exam available in Gadsden.