Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease has always been a complex challenge. Traditionally, clinicians have relied on a combination of patient history, physical examinations, and cognitive tests due to the absence of a definitive single test. However, Amyloid Pet imaging is emerging as a significant advancement, offering a more direct approach to assessing cognitive impairment. This innovative scan allows doctors to visualize amyloid plaques in the brain, which are strongly implicated in the nerve cell damage characteristic of Alzheimer’s. Previously, these plaques could only be confirmed through post-mortem examination of brain tissue.
Pioneering the translation of Alzheimer’s research into practical clinical applications, UCSF Imaging stands as a global leader in the field. Since 2003, UCSF Imaging has been at the forefront, providing Alzheimer’s disease assessment using amyloid PET scans for individuals experiencing memory concerns. Amyloid PET scans are remarkable because they make amyloid plaques distinctly visible – they essentially “light up” on brain PET scans. This breakthrough enables, for the first time, the accurate detection of these plaques in living individuals. UCSF Imaging and its associated multidisciplinary initiatives, including the renowned UCSF Memory and Aging Center, the Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIND), and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), are actively involved in numerous national research endeavors, including the IDEAS (Imaging Dementia – Evidence for Amyloid Scanning) Study. UCSF is recognized as one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive centers for evaluating cognitive decline and dementia.
Amyloid PET imaging is particularly beneficial for patients presenting with persistent, unexplained mild cognitive impairment, those who fulfill the established clinical criteria for Alzheimer’s disease, and individuals experiencing progressive dementia, especially at an early age. Identifying amyloid plaques through amyloid PET can aid in earlier and more accurate diagnosis, potentially leading to better management and care planning.
For healthcare professionals seeking to refer a patient for an amyloid PET scan, UCSF Imaging offers a streamlined process. For referrals through an Alzheimer’s specialist, the UCSF Memory and Aging Center can be contacted directly at (415) 353-2057 (phone) or (415) 353-8292 (fax). Neurologists, gerontologists, and psychiatrists participating in the IDEAS study can make direct referrals to UCSF Imaging by contacting Radiology Scheduling at (415) 353-3900. For all other referral inquiries, please reach out to the UCSF Memory and Aging Center at (415) 353-2057. For billing and insurance related questions, please contact (415) 514-8888. Further information about Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment and Treatment at UCSF is available online. Eligibility details for the IDEAS study can also be found on the IDEAS study website.
The Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at UCSF is a leading academic medical center committed to patient care, groundbreaking research, and the education of future radiologists. UCSF Imaging is proud to host some of the most respected experts in diagnostic, therapeutic, and interventional radiology, all dedicated to developing innovative approaches for disease identification and treatment. UCSF Imaging prides itself on its patient-centered approach and is widely recognized for its compassionate and high-quality care within the community.
For world-class imaging services for your patients at UCSF, please refer to our How to refer guide. UCSF Imaging is committed to partnering with healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients through advanced imaging technologies like amyloid PET. Please do not hesitate to contact our scheduling department at (415) 353-3900 or contact us online for any inquiries or to schedule a referral. We are eager to learn more about your patients’ needs and how we can assist in their care. To refer a patient, please call (415) 353-3900. For administrative inquiries, please contact our administration. Our San Francisco locations are readily accessible for your patients’ convenience.
