BRAIN MRI FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Neuroquant Brain MRI is a specialized type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that measures the volume of brain structures commonly damaged by Alzheimer’s Disease, in order to help identify and assess neurodegeneration in its earliest stages. Our team of sub-specialized radiologists utilizes NeuroQuant to:
- Quantify atrophy and assess neurodegenerative diseases in patients presenting with symptoms relating to memory and cognition
- Monitor changes in brain atrophy over time to determine if and how quickly a disease is progressing, and to measure the effect of treatment
- Identify patients most likely to benefit from aggressive intervention
- Obtain objective data to help in the assessment of patients’ prognoses and clinical courses
This exam does not use radiation and no contrast is required.
BEFORE ARRIVING FOR YOUR EXAM
To make registration quicker and easier, we encourage you to take advantage of our online system, where you will complete the MRI Screening Questionnaire and the MRI and Pregnancy form (if applicable).
If you are claustrophobic (fearful of small, enclosed areas) or experience pain when lying on your back for more than 30 minutes, your referring physician may prescribe a relaxant or pain medication to help you through the exam. When scheduling your appointment, please make the IMI Team aware of any concerns or issues you might have, so we can ensure that you have everything you need to comfortably, successfully complete your MRI exam.
While we don’t anticipate a long wait, we do want to make any waiting time as pleasant as possible. Please consider bringing a magazine, book or music with headphones to help you pass the time.
Unless you are told otherwise, before your exam you may follow your regular daily routine, and eat, drink and take medications as usual.
Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
AFTER ARRIVING
Please inform the technologist, radiology nurse, and or radiologist of any allergies you may have, or if you are pregnant or nursing.
If you have not already done so online, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine if an MRI is safe for you. Because an MRI utilizes a strong magnetic field, patients with various implants (usually metallic), body piercings, or other metal in their bodies (including some tattoos) may encounter difficulty with an MRI. It is critical that your imaging physician is made aware of any such potential issues before your examination.
You will be asked to wear scrubs during the exam.
DURING THE EXAM
An MRI machine consists of a large, cylinder-shaped tube with a moveable scanning table that slides into the center of the machine. For this exam, you will be asked to lie head-first on the table with your arms at your sides.
Coils (special devices to improve image quality) will be placed on or around your head.
The scanning table will slide your entire body into the magnet. During the scan, you may feel a slight vibration and will hear intermittent humming, thumping, clicking and knocking sounds. Headphones will be provided to help mask the noise and allow you to listen to music. As your images are taken, you must hold very still and at times may be asked to hold your breath.
The technologist will able to see and hear you at all times during the exam.
The MRI exam will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the specifics that your referring physician has ordered.
AFTER YOUR EXAM
Once your exam is complete, there will be no restrictions placed upon you. You may eat, drive, and resume your activities as usual. Your images will be examined by a radiologist and their report sent to your healthcare provider within 24-48 hours of your examination. Your healthcare provider will review the results with you.
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