NorthShore University HealthSystem First in Illinois to Use Innovative Technology to Recognize Potential for Alzheimer’s Disease in Patients
Scan identifies a marker of cognitive decline by looking at brain plaque content, which previously could only be evaluated in deceased
Evanston, IL – June 28, 2012 – NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is the first health system in the state of Illinois to evaluate patients for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) utilizing Amyvid (Florbetapir F 18 Injection) -- the first and only radioactive diagnostic agent approved for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of plaques in the living brain (approved by the FDA in April 2012). The drug is being used to identify a marker associated with cognitive decline due to AD.
“Until now, the brain plaque content could only be determined with a brain biopsy or examination of the brain at autopsy,” said Felise Zollman, MD, director of NorthShore Neurological Institute’s Memory and Cognitive Disorders Program. “The addition of Amyvid scanning capability is an exciting development in the evolution of the management of Alzheimer’s Disease because it brings us one step closer to being able to one day provide both definitive diagnosis of the condition as well as develop new preventive and therapeutic treatments.”
Following intravenous injection, Amyvid binds to brain Beta-amyloid, or a type of protein which accumulates in the brains of people with AD. A radioactive signal is detected with a PET scanner to produce images of the plaque in the brain. A negative Amyvid scan indicates sparse to no amyloid plaque and suggests against the diagnosis of AD. A positive Amyvid scan indicates that amyloid plaque is present to a degree typically seen in autopsied brains of patients who have had AD, but this plaque can also be present in patients with other types of neurologic conditions as well as older people with normal cognition. Because of this, a positive scan is not definitive proof that someone has (or will develop) AD; the results must be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive neurological and cognitive assessment to be meaningful.
Francisco Rangel, 57, of Kenosha, WI was one of the first patients to undergo an Amyvid scan at NorthShore and is awaiting the results. With no family history of AD, Rangel started experiencing symptoms of short-term memory loss about one year ago, according to his wife, Miriam.
“We are very excited about having this available to us because if he doesn’t have Alzheimer’s then we can explore what it is that is causing these symptoms,” Miriam said.
About NorthShore University HealthSystem
Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 9,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including a 750+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 80 office locations. NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in outcomes research and clinical trials. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.
NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including cancer, heart, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity, pediatrics and neurosciences. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the only one in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.
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CONTACT: Colette Urban
Director, Public Relations
(847) 570-3144
curban@northshore.org
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