A Dreaded Disease
Approximately 4,000,000 people in the U.S. have Alzheimer's disease. With the graying of the baby-boomer market, it is projected that this number will increase to 14,000,000 by the year 2050. A recent study found that two-thirds of baby boomers are personally concerned about getting Alzheimer's disease -- a sign that it might replace cancer as this generation's most dreaded disease. Promising new drug therapies for Alzheimer's disease have been developed (and more are coming) that can slow the progression of the disease. All major medical groups in the U.S., such as the American College of Radiology and the Society of Nuclear Medicine, recognize Brain SPECT Imaging as generally accepted for the identification of the presence of Alzheimer's Disease once symptoms are suspected. Accordingly, most third-party payors, including Medicare, provide reimbursement of Brain SPECT Imaging for suspected Alzheimer's Disease.
However, it is now becoming clear that for the new drugs to be most effective is is imperative that the presence of Alzheimer's Disease patterns in the brain be found early, BEFORE Alzheimer's symptoms are present. Accordingly, anyone with a history of Alzheimer's in their family should have an intense interest in early detection.
Detection prior to symptoms is the key to effective treatment.
Finally, An Objective Diagnostic Tool.
Research suggests that Brain SPECT Imaging can often identify the presence of Alzheimer's disease and can be used as a screening tool several years before the onset of symptoms of this devastating disease. With early detection, current anti-Alzheimer's drugs are showing promise in their ability to slow the progression of this disorder and have been shown on SPECT to actually improve blood flow in the affected parts of the brain. Slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease gives patients a chance to take advantage of newly developing drug treatments that can possibly further slow progression. It can also give them a chance to properly prepare themselves, their families and their affairs for the time when symptoms of the disease begin to emerge.
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