Cerebral
Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians (www.dementia.org.au). In 2018, there was an estimated 436, 366 Australians with
dementia, expected to exceed 1 million by 2058. 3 in 10 people over 85yrs & almost 1 in 10 over 65yrs have dementia. Dementia usually affects older people but is not normal ageing. Diagnosis can be difficult. Dementia is not one specific disease but a spectrum, e.g. Alzheimer’s, Fronto-temporal (FTD) dementia. Accurate diagnosis influences management.
How can Nuclear Medicine help:
Cerebral Perfusion scans evaluate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) which correlate with cerebral metabolism. We provide a quantitative atlas of rCBF (see back page). A non-contrast CT may be performed with this to map function with anatomy (see below). This study is simple with no preparation required or contraindication.
Case 1
Indication: Cognitive decline
A 74 yr old woman was encouraged by her daughter to see her GP about gradual deterioration in short-term memory. Her Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was 21/30. CT brain revealed age-related changes only. A cerebral perfusion study (Figure 1) subsequently demonstrated hypoperfusion in both parieto-temporal lobes consistent with Alzheimer’s dementia. Following this scan, the patient was referred to a Geriatrician.
Main uses for Cerebral imaging:
To support a diagnosis of suspected dementia, identify different types of dementia, eg. Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, Fronto-Temporal Dementia or vascular.
