An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a testing procedure used to detect a multitude of diseases and conditions within the whole body, including brain abnormalities. By creating detailed images of the brain’s structures, white and gray matter, blood flow, and more, MRI can both predict and detect Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disease that affects the neurons of the brain. An advanced form of dementia, it negatively impacts memory, thinking, and behavior. The disease progresses quickly and can be severe enough to interfere with daily life. It typically affects people over the age of 65, but can occasionally impact those who are younger. In this case, it is considered a case of early-onset Alzheimer’s.
How Can an Elective MRI Help?
The most accurate way to detect the risk of Alzheimer’s is an MRI. Utilizing comprehensive scans of the brain and brain tissue that is enhanced by state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, an MRI can help spot abnormalities that may be early indicators of Alzheimer’s, allowing you and your doctors to establish lifestyle changes and medications that may slow the progression and manage symptoms.
How Can Doctors Find Out My Risk?
At simonONE, your MRI is read by 2 subspecialists, a Neuroradiologist and a Body Imager. The Neuroradiologist reads the head and neck portion and then will assess the brain’s volume for Alzheimer’s with NeuroQuant software. An MRI is able to produce 3D imaging of vital parts of the brain that indicate whether Alzheimer’s is present. The hippocampus and the parietal lobe are the main areas of the brain that can indicate the potential for Alzheimer’s or dementia. If the Neuroradiologist sees a shrinking hippocampus or parietal lobe, they can decide if the onset of Alzheimer’s is occurring. Shrinkage or the deterioration of cells can also indicate other issues that are worth catching.
What Do I Do if I’m at Risk?
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are viable treatment options that can help slow the onset of symptoms or reduce cognitive decline. The earlier you are aware of Alzheimer’s risk, the sooner you’ll be able to understand treatment options. Intervention methods are rapidly improving, especially for earlier diagnoses.
simonONE specialists will work with your general practitioner and refer you to local neurologists who can monitor your needs and help you implement treatment plans and lifestyle changes. This will have a lasting impact on your overall neurological health. Receiving a yearly MRI can allow simonONE physicians to monitor your health and keep track of your risk for Alzheimer’s and other serious diseases.
Schedule an MRI Today
If Alzheimer’s disease is common in your family, you feel you’re at risk, or if you just want peace of mind, schedule an MRI with simonONE today.
