Having a PET scan

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans are used to measure the concentration of particular molecules in the brain. There are different types of PET scan. An amyloid-PET scan measures the build-up of abnormal amyloid proteins in the brain, one of the key hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. An FDG-PET scan measures the concentration of glucose in the brain and shows how the brain is using energy. These scans reveal aspects of how the brain is working that can’t be seen in any other way.

For a PET scan, a special molecule called a ligand is injected into the body and attaches to particular molecules of interest in the brain. The ligand emits a small amount of radiation that is picked up by the scanner, so we can see how much of the molecule of interest is in the brain. Although the dose of radiation is small as a precaution you may be advised to avoid prolonged close contact with pregnant women, babies or young children for a few hours after a PET scan.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is often carried out along with a PET scan to get detailed information about the shape and structure of the brain, so you may be asked to avoid wearing anything with metal in it.

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Alzheimer's Society is the leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers.

What is dementia?

The term 'dementia' is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions. Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.

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