SPECT Scan

The brain is an incredible evolutionary result that works like a powerful computer. When a part of the brain gets damaged, those parts work at a lower capacity and thus use less sugar for energy. This decrease in sugar uptake can be found in scans wherein areas of activity that should typically light up don’t, indicating something is wrong with its circuitry.

Moreover, a specific neurological disease leads to one particular pattern of dysfunction throughout every person’s brain. These impaired regions demonstrate how profoundly interconnected each aspect of our brains is, even though they may seem completely separate at first glance.

By observing the changes in our SPECT Scans over time, we can better understand how quickly and severely our brain neurons are deteriorating. Unfortunately, tracking aging in relation to the brain has been difficult; however, with SPECT Scan technology, we now have the best insight into precisely what is happening within the brain.

Until recently, few tests were available to measure the brain’s functionality. We could view the gross anatomy of our brains with a CT or MRI scan; however, it was similar to just looking at a computer’s motherboard. We could see all wiring and circuits intact, but we didn’t know if all parts functioned adequately. Some of these standard brain tests include:

By attaching electrodes to the scalp, a specialized machine can record electrical activity in the brain resulting in an Electroencephalography (EEG). This tool can be used for the diagnosis of sleep and brain disorders. Unfortunately, EEGs are less helpful when diagnosing neurological diseases or injuries related to aging brains.

By utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), it is possible to observe the slight alterations in blood flow that transpire with brain operation. Not only does this allow us to investigate which areas of the brain are responsible for essential functions, but it also allows medical professionals and researchers to evaluate how strokes, other illnesses, or even trauma affect the functioning of our brains.

fMRIs can ascertain what area of our mind controls processes such as language, thought, sensation, and motion – making them invaluable when evaluating stroke victims or those afflicted with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease.

With MEG technology, the minute magnetic fields generated by electrical activity in your brain can be detected. This process involves wearing a specialized helmet equipped with approximately 300 highly delicate magnetometers set to detect even the subtlest of magnetic currents produced by one’s cortex, making it possible to explore aspects closely associated with emotion, language, and memory.

SPECT scans are revolutionary for assessing the brain’s capability, and through Dr. Daniel Amen‘s work as a neuroscientist, he has been able to chart thousands of aging brains. His research provides an opportunity to measure harm caused by emotional or physical traumas and monitor different neurological diseases over time, granting insight into possible paths of patient recovery.

SPECT scans are the most modern and advanced brain mapping technology available to longevity providers, enabling them to gain additional insight into their patient’s health. This nuclear medicine technique has been validated for measuring blood flow and activity in the brain. SPECT Scans allow physicians an unprecedented peek inside the brain so they can determine which areas are functioning correctly, working too hard, or not receiving enough stimulation

By recognizing closed head injuries, toxic brain damage, inflammation, and infections early on, one can initiate treatments that hopefully prevent symptoms from appearing. As far as Alzheimer’s patients are concerned, prompt detection is the most significant hurdle family members must cross. Being forewarned provides an edge – which in turn allows for more advantageous preparation and intervention measures to be taken earlier on.

Our centers do SPECT Scans by Amen Clinics on our patients to evaluate: