Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, which is widely encountered today, is of great importance in terms of the course of the disease and the treatment process. Noting that Alzheimer's disease is caused by the accumulation of substances called neurofibrillary tangles and beta amyloid plaques in the brain, experts state that these substances can be detected with new diagnostic methods. Stating that a tomography-like test called Amyloid PET can easily show whether there is an accumulation of amyloid plaques, one of these substances, Neurology Specialist Celal Şalçini said, "In cases where amyloid plaques are not visible, we can now say to the patient 'You do not have Alzheimer's disease'."
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Celal Şalçini noted that the accumulation of substances that cause Alzheimer's disease in the brain can be detected with the help of a tomography-like device called Amyloid PET.
Alzheimer's is an insidious brain disease
Dr. Celal Şalçini noted that Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disease that is usually observed in advanced ages and can also start in middle and young ages, and said, "Alzheimer's disease starts with a vague forgetfulness and progresses insidiously until it becomes obvious."
It occurs when substances accumulate in the brain
Prof. Dr. Celal Şalçini said, "Alzheimer's disease is caused by the accumulation of substances we call neurofibrillary tangles and beta amyloid plaques in the brain, and this accumulation begins long before Alzheimer's Disease is evident. In the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and similar dementias, it may be necessary to demonstrate the accumulation of these substances in the brain. In these cases, brain tissue sampling or spinal fluid examination can be performed, but both are not preferred because they are interventional procedures."
Alzheimer's can be detected with amyloid PET device
Stating that new diagnostic methods are used in Alzheimer's diagnosis with developing technologies, Dr. Celal Şalçini said, "The accumulation of amyloid plaques, one of these substances, can be easily shown with a tomography-like device called Amyloid PET, which has recently started to be used in Turkey. In this way, Amyloid PET is performed on individuals who are suspected of Alzheimer's Disease due to forgetfulness and who also have a family history of Alzheimer's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease is excluded if no amyloid plaque is observed."
