Alzheimer's Disease Health Center

Making the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Neuropsychological Testing continued...

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Scan

SPECT is a technique for creating very clear, three-dimensional pictures of a major organ, such as the brain or heart. SPECT scans involve the injection of a very small amount of a radioactive substance. Energy from the radioactive substance in the body is detected by a special camera, which then takes the pictures. SPECT can be used to see how blood flows in certain regions of the brain and is useful in evaluating specific brain functions. This may reveal abnormalities that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging (MRSI)

MRSI is a test that allows the doctor to observe certain substances throughout the brain without the use of radioactive materials. MRSI is an imaging technique that is used to study changes caused by brain tumors, strokes, seizure disorders, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and other diseases affecting the brain.