Functional imaging techniques in the diagnosis of non-Alzheimer dementias.
Functional imaging (positron emission tomography -- PET, single photon emission tomography -- SPECT, magnetic resonance spectroscopy -- MRS) enables regional cerebral function to be assessed in vivo in dementias. There are three basic approaches to examining the patterns of cerebral function associated with specific disorders: First, abnormalities in resting levels of regional cerebral metabolism and blood flow can be examined. Second, patients can be asked to perform cognitive tasks with a view to demonstrating aberrations in their pattern of cerebral activation. Third, resting dysfunction of brain pharmacology can be revealed. The bulk of the research on non-Alzheimer dementias has been performed with PET and SPECT and this review will concentrate on these two modalities.
Brooks
D J
DJ
MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003704:Dementia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon