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Patient and representative experience after amyloid PET/CT in a real-world memory clinic: a mixed-methods
Giulia Richina1, Nathalie Testart Dardel1, Paolo Salvioni2
1Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland.
EJNMMI Reports
|July 19, 2026
Summary
Amyloid PET/CT scans significantly impact patient experiences, influencing diagnosis perception and emotional well-being. Positive results increase psychosocial burden, while negative results offer reassurance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Amyloid PET/CT is increasingly utilized for diagnosing cognitive disorders.
- Its real-world impact on patient and caregiver experiences is not well understood.
- This study investigates how amyloid PET results affect patient perceptions, emotions, and daily life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the influence of amyloid PET/CT results on perceived diagnosis.
- To assess emotional responses and behavioral adaptations post-amyloid PET/CT.
- To understand the impact on daily life organization for patients and caregivers.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study combining registry data, PET interpretations, and telephone surveys.
- Inclusion of patients who underwent amyloid PET between 2015 and 2024.
- Thematic analysis of qualitative responses integrated with quantitative comparisons between PET-positive and PET-negative groups.
Main Results:
- PET-positive individuals reported more depressive mood and distress compared to PET-negative individuals.
- Behavioral adaptations were more frequent in PET-positive individuals.
- PET-positive results were perceived as turning points with uncertainty, while PET-negative results provided reassurance.
Conclusions:
- Amyloid PET/CT results significantly shape patients' diagnostic understanding and psychosocial experiences.
- Positive PET results correlate with a higher psychosocial burden.
- Effective patient-centered communication and support are crucial given the central role of amyloid PET in diagnostics.