For families grappling with the uncertainty of memory loss, an early and accurate diagnosis can make all the difference. Now, patients in Dubai have access to a groundbreaking diagnostic tool offering new hope.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, gradually impairs memory and cognitive abilities. To combat this, Dubai Health has launched an innovative early detection service using amyloid PET-CT imaging — a first-of-its-kind step in enhancing neurological care in the emirate.
Unveiled on World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21), this advanced service represents a significant breakthrough in diagnosing Alzheimer’s long before symptoms become severe.
Targeting adults with memory concerns or mild cognitive impairment, the scans — available at the Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Centre at Dubai Hospital — can detect abnormal amyloid protein buildup in the brain, a key indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.
By identifying these changes early, the technology helps specialists accurately differentiate Alzheimer’s from other types of dementia, eliminate uncertainty in complex cases, and develop personalized treatment strategies. The goal: to slow disease progression and improve patients' quality of life.
Amyloid PET-CT imaging is an advanced diagnostic tool that uses a radioactive tracer and imaging technology to detect and visualize the build-up of amyloid protein plaques in the brain, which is a key hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. By tracking the distribution and density of these plaques, the scan helps doctors accurately diagnose or rule out Alzheimer's, manage the disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of certain treatments.
"The introduction of amyloid PET-CT marks a significant step in diagnosing neurological disorders at Dubai Health’s facilities. It reflects our commitment to providing advanced diagnostic tools that allow earlier intervention and better patient outcomes," said Dr Usama Mohammad AlBastaki, chair of Medical Imaging at Dubai Health.
"This milestone is a strategic addition that strengthens Dubai Health’s position as an advanced center for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases. It also opens new avenues for Alzheimer’s research and therapeutic interventions, in line with Dubai Health’s ‘Patient First’ promise," he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Batool Albalooshi, consultant and head of Nuclear Medicine at Dubai Health, said: “The adoption of amyloid PET-CT is a major step forward in diagnosing Alzheimer’s. It gives patients a clearer understanding of their condition and creates opportunities to benefit from new treatments that target amyloid protein deposits, helping to slow memory decline in the early stages of the disease.”
She added: “Through the Dubai Molecular Imaging Center, Dubai Health continues to enhance and deploy innovative diagnostic tools that support precision medicine and improve patient outcomes and quality of life. They also enhance physicians’ ability to make data-driven clinical decisions and strengthen the health system’s readiness to address neurological diseases."
Source: Khaleej Times
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
