Clinical use of amyloid-positron emission tomography neuroimaging: Practical and bioethical considerations

Abstract

Until recently, estimation of β-amyloid plaque density as a key element for identifying Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology as the cause of cognitive impairment was only possible at autopsy. Now with amyloid-positron emission tomography (amyloid-PET) neuroimaging, this AD hallmark can be detected antemortem. Practitioners and patients need to better understand potential diagnostic benefits and limitations of amyloid-PET and the complex practical, ethical, and social implications surrounding this new technology. To complement the practical considerations, Eli Lilly and Company sponsored a Bioethics Advisory Board to discuss ethical issues that might arise from clinical use of amyloid-PET neuroimaging with patients being evaluated for causes of cognitive decline. To best address the multifaceted issues associated with amyloid-PET neuroimaging, we recommend this technology be used only by experienced imaging and treating physicians in appropriately selected patients and only in the context of a comprehensive clinical evaluation with adequate explanations before and after the scan.

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Witte, M. M., Foster, N. L., Fleisher, A. S., Williams, M. M., Quaid, K., Wasserman, M., ... & Hake, A. M. (2015). Clinical use of amyloid-positron emission tomography neuroimaging: Practical and bioethical considerations. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, 1(3), 358-367.
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Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring
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