Amyloid PET Brain Scans: Clear Answers for Memory Changes — PET Imaging Institute of Florida

When Memory Changes Raise Questions

Mild forgetfulness, trouble finding words, or new confusion can be unsettling—for patients and for families. When these changes appear, the first step is clarity. At PET Imaging Institute of Florida, we provide that clarity with amyloid PET brain scans—advanced imaging that helps your physician determine whether Alzheimer’s disease–related amyloid plaques are present.

Important: Amyloid PET scans at PET Imaging Institute are performed in coordination with your and your family member’s physician. A physician’s order is required. We work closely with neurologists, primary care doctors, and memory clinics to ensure your imaging aligns with the overall care plan.

What Is an Amyloid PET Brain Scan?

An amyloid PET (Positron Emission Tomography) brain scan is a non-invasive test that can visualize amyloid plaques—one of the biological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. After a small injection of a specialized radiotracer that binds to amyloid, our PET/CT system produces detailed images showing whether amyloid is present and how it is distributed.

Why this matters

• Diagnostic clarity: Helps your physician distinguish Alzheimer’s disease from other causes of memory changes.
• Earlier, more confident planning: If amyloid is present, your doctor can tailor next steps sooner. If it is absent, your doctor can focus on other, potentially treatable causes.
• Family peace of mind: Objective information reduces uncertainty for patients, spouses, and adult children supporting loved ones.

Quantification With Centiloid Counts: A Measurable Baseline

In addition to expert visual interpretation, PET Imaging Institute provides centiloid quantification with every amyloid PET scan.

What are centiloid counts?

The centiloid scale is a standardized, scientific method for measuring how much amyloid signal is present in the brain. It converts PET findings into a single, comparable number.

Why it’s valuable

• Baseline for the future: Establishes a personal reference point if follow-up scans are ever needed.
• Comparable over time and across platforms: Because centiloids are standardized, changes can be tracked objectively.
• Actionable for physicians: Your doctor can use centiloid values to support diagnosis, care planning, and—when appropriate—treatment monitoring.

Where PET Fits With New Alzheimer’s Antibody Therapies

In recent years, antibody therapies (for example, lecanemab [Leqembi®] and donanemab) have been developed to target amyloid. These treatments may help slow clinical decline in appropriate patients when started early and monitored carefully.

How your amyloid PET helps:

• Confirms eligibility: Many care pathways require evidence of brain amyloid before considering anti-amyloid therapy.
• Monitors change: Centiloid counts provide an objective way for your physician to assess treatment effect over time, alongside clinical evaluations and safety monitoring.

Important clarification: PET Imaging Institute does not administer medical therapies or infusions. We perform diagnostic PET scans and provide quantitative reports that your physician uses to guide and evaluate treatment decisions.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Scan

• Arrival & check-in: Our team reviews your medical history and answers questions so you feel prepared and comfortable.
• Radiotracer injection: A small injection of an FDA-approved amyloid radiotracer (such as Amyvid®, Vizamyl®, or Neuraceq®) is given. You’ll rest quietly while it distributes.
• PET/CT imaging: You’ll lie comfortably while the scanner acquires images—most patients find the scan straightforward and easier than expected.
• After your visit: A board-certified physician interprets your scan with centiloid quantification. A clear, timely report is sent to your referring physician, who will discuss the results and next steps with you.

Why Families and Physicians Choose PET Imaging Institute

These are the enduring advantages that set our center apart:

• Precision you can use: Routine centiloid reporting—standardized, quantitative data your physician can trend over time.
• Advanced imaging platform: High-resolution PET/CT with optimized protocols for brain studies and stable, high-specificity amyloid radiotracers.
• Neuroimaging expertise: Board-certified nuclear medicine and radiology physicians with deep experience in dementia imaging.
• Care-team coordination: Seamless communication with neurologists, PCPs, and memory clinics—your report is built to answer the questions clinicians need to manage care.
• Timely results: Streamlined scheduling and reporting to reduce delays when cognitive concerns are urgent for patients and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an amyloid PET scan safe?

Yes. The radiotracer dose is small, and the exam is non-invasive and painless.

How long does it take?

Expect to spend about 1.5 hours total in our facility: a brief check-in/interview (~10–15 minutes), a quiet uptake/incubation period while the radiotracer distributes (~30–50 minutes), and about 10 minutes of actual PET scan time. Most of your visit is the uptake period; time on the scanner is only ~10 minutes.

Do I need a physician order?

Yes. A referring physician’s order is required. We coordinate closely with your care team and send a detailed quantitative report directly to your physician.

Will my insurance cover it?

Coverage varies by indication and plan. Our team can provide information to your physician’s office to support authorization inquiries.

Take the Next Step—With Your Physician

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory changes, an amyloid PET scan can provide the clarity your physician needs to chart the best path forward. At PET Imaging Institute of Florida, we combine advanced technology, quantitative centiloid analysis, and collaborative reporting to support confident, compassionate care.

Speak with your doctor about whether an amyloid PET brain scan is appropriate, and ask to be referred to PET Imaging Institute of Florida. We’re honored to support you and your care team with precise, actionable imaging.