Overview
Amyloid PET involves an injected tracer and a scan lasting roughly 20 to 30 minutes. It is used mainly when confirming or excluding Alzheimer's pathology changes the plan.
What results mean
- Negative: Alzheimer's disease is unlikely to be the cause
- Positive: amyloid is present, which supports but does not alone prove that Alzheimer's explains the symptoms
Practical considerations
- Availability is limited to certain imaging centers
- Prior authorization is often required
- Results are interpreted alongside clinical findings
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.