Brain PET Scans
A brain PET scan shows us what is happening in the brain. It uses a small amount of a special substance called a tracer to track glucose, the primary energy source for the brain, or different proteins in the brain. This helps researchers see how brain cells are working and if there is protein buildup, which is useful for spotting diseases like Alzheimer’s before problems with memory and thinking begin.
Why participate in brain imaging
Brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias touch the lives of millions of people. While researchers have made important discoveries in understanding these conditions, there is still a lot we need to learn. PET scans and MRI scans are powerful tools for exploring how diseases develop in the brain. By participating in brain imaging research, you help future generations. Your involvement could lead to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and hope for families everywhere. At some study sites, you may also be able to learn the results of your brain imaging scans if you choose.
When you participate in brain imaging research, you are always in control. If you ever want to take a break, skip a step, or stop for any reason, you can.
What is a PET scan and why is it important?
Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scan, is a type of imaging test that shows what is happening in your brain. PET scans have been used safely for many years. They help researchers understand dementia and find ways to improve diagnosis and treatment. PET scans show changes in how the brain works and can reveal if a person has more than one condition affecting the brain.
To do this, a PET scan uses a tracer that contains a small amount of radiation to capture pictures of what is happening in your brain. Everyone is exposed to a small level of radiation from natural sources such as the sun, the soil, airplane travel and even household items. The amount of radiation in a PET scan is less than many scans that doctors use to diagnosis diseases every day and is well below the annual limit set by the federal government for research participants. The tracer leaves your body within a couple of hours. It’s safe to be around others, including children and pets, after your scan.
What is brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and why is it important?
A brain MRI is a type of scan that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the brain. It does not use x-rays or radiation, so it is considered very safe for most people.
Brain MRIs are a powerful tool in dementia research because they help researchers see changes in the brain’s structure that may be linked to memory and thinking problems.
Different types of dementia cause changes in different parts of the brain. By looking at these changes, MRIs can help researchers understand and compare Alzheimer’s disease with other types of dementia, like Lewy body, frontotemporal, and vascular dementias.
Additional Resources
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, tips for healthy aging, and resources for caregivers, please visit our Brain Health Education resource page.