Searching for a clearer picture of dementia imaging

The potential for PET-based amyloid imaging to advance care of Alzheimer’s patients has excited many in the field of neuroimaging for years, yet the role of such scans has been difficult to define.

In 2013, despite FDA approval of florbetapir (Amyvid, Eli Lilly/Avid Radiopharmaceuticals) as a diagnostic PET radiopharmaceutical for Alzheimer’s, CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) was not ready to spring for full coverage. CMS’ final decision was to cover one PET scan to exclude Alzheimer’s disease only for patients participating in a clinical study under the Coverage with Evidence Development program.

While CMS was not totally convinced that PET amyloid imaging improves outcomes, these scans have changed the way physicians manage their patients, according to a study presented this week at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Washington, D.C. Read more.