Combining PET Scans and Memory Tests Predicts Alzheimer's Risk
Author: American Academy of Neurology
Published: 2010/07/01 - Updated: 2025/03/07
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Findings
Topic: Alzheimer's Disease - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: Study reveals combining PET scans and memory tests can predict Alzheimer's progression, enhancing early detection and intervention strategies.
Why it matters: This report discusses research identifying memory and brain scan tests that effectively predict the progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in the journal Neurology, involved 85 participants aged 55 to 90 who underwent various assessments, including episodic memory tests, APOE gene blood tests, MRI scans measuring hippocampal size, tau and beta-amyloid protein measurements, and PET scans detecting metabolic abnormalities. Over an average follow-up of 1.9 years, 28 participants developed Alzheimer's disease. Notably, individuals with abnormal PET scan results and poor episodic memory test performance were nearly 12 times more likely to progress to Alzheimer's. These findings underscore the potential of combining specific diagnostic tools to enhance early detection and intervention strategies for those at risk - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
New research has identified the memory and brain scan tests that appear to predict best whether a person with cognitive problems might develop Alzheimer's disease. The research is published in the June 30, 2010, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Main Item
Memory and brain scan tests were performed on 85 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who were part of a larger study called the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. The tests included an episodic memory test, in which a participant must correctly recall a list of words. Blood tests were given to measure which form of the APOE gene people had, since one form of the gene is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
MRI brain scans were also used to measure the size of a participant's hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Proteins thought to play a role in Alzheimer's disease, called tau or beta-amyloid, were also measured. Finally, a PET brain scan was taken to detect metabolic abnormalities in the brain that might signal Alzheimer's disease.
"Each of these tests have independently shown promise in predicting disease progression, however, prior to the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, they had never been compared to one another in the same study before," said study author Susan M. Landau, PhD, with the University of California-Berkeley and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.
Participants were between the ages of 55 and 90 and were followed for an average of 1.9 years. During that time, 28 of the participants developed Alzheimer's disease.
People who showed abnormal results on both PET scans and episodic memory tests were nearly 12 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who scored normally on both measures.
"Because people with MCI decline at different rates and some never go on to develop Alzheimer's disease, there is a need for tools that can better predict who might benefit most from treatment," said Landau. "When we compared all of the predictors, these two tests most accurately predicted who developed Alzheimer's."
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Dana Foundation. The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 22,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, restless legs syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, narcolepsy and stroke.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The convergence of metabolic brain imaging and memory testing as predictive tools marks a significant advancement in Alzheimer's research. The search for the perfect Alzheimer's test isn't just a science problem-it's a human one. With millions facing this disease, the push for something simple yet reliable hits home for families and doctors alike. This article shines a light on that struggle, showing how far we've come with tools like blood tests that rival pricey scans, but also how much further we need to go. It's a reminder that behind every test is someone hoping for answers, and that's what keeps this topic urgent and worth digging into. By refining our ability to identify individuals at heightened risk, healthcare professionals can tailor interventions more effectively, potentially altering the disease's trajectory and improving patient outcomes - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by American Academy of Neurology and published on 2010/07/01, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, American Academy of Neurology can be contacted at aan.com NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.