Multimodality imaging of neurodegenerative processes: Part 1, the basics and common dementias

OBJECTIVE. Multimodality imaging plays an important role in the structural and functional characterization of neurodegenerative conditions. This article illustrates the basic concepts of anatomic, metabolic, and amyloid imaging and describes the application of a multimodality approach in the evaluation of patients with the more common neurodegenerative dementia processes. Proper utilization of clinically available imaging techniques allows greater insight into these common disease processes. CONCLUSION. Recognizing the strength of combined anatomic, metabolic, and amyloid imaging can allow a more complete and confdent assessment of patients with common degenerative dementias. This added knowledge can improve clinical care, allow initiation of appropriate therapies and counseling, and improve prognostication.