PET Imaging of Dementia: Update 2022

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Early and specific diagnosis of dementia syndromes is critical for prognostication and management.
• The advent of disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer disease necessitates precise patient selection.
• Amyloid and tau PET imaging have transitioned from research tools to clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in dementia understanding and the role of nuclear medicine imaging.
• To illustrate a systematic approach to interpreting FDG PET and molecular pathology PET scans.
• To provide a practical guide for interpreting nuclear medicine examinations in dementia care.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on dementia and nuclear medicine imaging.
• Case-based illustration of Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET interpretation.
• Integration of PET imaging for specific molecular pathologies: dopamine transporters, amyloid, and tau.

Main Results:

• PET imaging, including amyloid and tau PET, is increasingly vital for clinical dementia diagnosis.
• A systematic approach enhances the interpretation of complex PET findings.
• Nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists play a key role in patient management.

Conclusions:

• Nuclear medicine imaging is indispensable for diagnosing dementia syndromes and guiding treatment.
• Integrating various PET modalities offers a comprehensive understanding of dementia pathology.
• This review serves as an updated guide for interpreting advanced nuclear medicine imaging in dementia.