There are no words to describe how it feels when a loved one or friend is suffering from dementia. There is a decline in cognitive function, which can affect memory, reasoning, language, and judgment.
Dementia is caused by a group of various brain disorders and includes Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
One of the newest tools medicine has today to diagnose dementia is a NueuroQuant brain MRI. If your healthcare provider suspects dementia, they may recommend a NeuroQuant brain MRI.
Let’s find out more about how NeuroQuant brain MRI could help with dementia.
Why your healthcare provider recommended a NeuroQuant brain MRI scan
If a patient is exhibiting a decline in cognitive function (loss of memory, reasoning, language, and judgment), a healthcare provider may recommend a NeuroQuant brain MRI.
This type of MRI is similar to other MRI imaging scans but with some important differences.
What is a NeuroQuant brain MRI?
NeuroQuant brain MRI is a specialized type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that helps identify and assess degeneration of the brain in its earliest stages through AI technology comparing the images to a pool of images by the same sex and age to analyze for possible changes to brain size.
This type of MRI measures the volume of the parts of the brain that are commonly damaged by Alzheimer’s disease.
How does NeuroQuant brain MRI differ from standard brain MRI scan?
NeuroQuant is a software program used to analyze MRI brain scans, particularly for assessing brain structures and volumes.
It provides detailed measurements of various regions of the brain, which can help diagnose and monitor conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury.
A standard brain MRI scan captures images of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging technology, but typically doesn’t include the detailed measurement analysis provided by a NeuroQuant brain MRI.
Why is NeuroQuant brain MRI recommended for assessing for dementia?
A NeuroQuant brain MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool, especially in diagnosing dementia.
It helps healthcare providers make objective, comprehensive measurements of the volume of the brain structures that are frequently damaged by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Preparing for your NeuroQuant brain MRI
It is natural to feel stress before any type of imaging scan or test. The more you know about the scan, the less stress you’ll feel and the better your outcome will be. Here are a few things to know:
What do I need to know before my NeuroQuant brain MRI appointment?
Before your appointment, your healthcare provider will give you any instructions you will need.
In essence, there’s not much difference between a traditional MRI scan and a NeuroQuant brain MRI.
Just as with any other MRI of the head, you will lie on a padded table, and an MRI technologist will slide the table you’re on inside the MRI machine. A magnet and radio waves will create highly detailed images of your brain.
The NeuroQuant software will accurately measure your brain volume and compare those measurements to a control group.
Are there specific preparations or instructions for a NeuroQuant brain MRI?
Yes, as with any scan or imaging test, your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for the NeuroQuant brain MRI and give you specific instructions. They might ask you to avoid some medications before the scan, or to fast before the scan.
What should I expect when I arrive for my NeuroQuant brain MRI?
You’ll be asked to remove any jewelry and to change into a gown for the scan. The technologist will tell you what to expect during the scan, and you will then lie down on a padded table, and the technologist will then slide the table you’re on inside the MRI machine.
During your NeuroQuant brain MRI scan
The MRI technologist will be with you throughout the scan. Make sure you ask him or her any questions you may have before the scan starts. Remember, they are there to help you and to help reduce your stress level.
What is the procedure for a NeuroQuant brain MRI?
The procedure involves lying still in an MRI scanner while images of your brain are taken, using advanced NeuroQuant software to analyze brain structure volumes.
How long will my NeuroQuant brain MRI take?
Usually, a NeuroQuant brain MRI takes anywhere between 30-60 minutes, depending on any specific healthcare protocols that need to be performed.
What will I experience during a NeuroQuant brain MRI?
During a NeuroQuant brain MRI, you’ll experience some fairly loud noises from the machine during the scan, but you’ll be given earplugs or headphones to help you deal with that.
The scan itself is painless and non-invasive but you’ll need to remain still and not move during the scan.
After your NeuroQuant brain MRI
A radiologist will analyze the results of your scan and the images will be assessed using the NeuroQuant software.
The reports are sent to your healthcare provider and they will meet with you at an appointed time and date. Although it might not be easy for you to wait, it is important to remember to try and remain as calm as possible during this time.
How are the results of NeuroQuant brain MRI interpreted?
The results of a NeuroQuant brain MRI are interpreted by comparing the volumetric measurements of brain structures against normative data to identify abnormalities related to dementia.
Basically, MRIs are interpreted using a systematic approach. The radiologist starts by checking the patient and image details.
They will look at all the available images and look for any abnormal signs. Then, they will correlate the MRI with any previous imaging, and relate your findings to your provider.
What will NeuroQuant brain MRI show about my brain health when it comes to dementia?
A NeuroQuant brain MRI can identify structural changes in the brain associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
It can provide information about the size of specific regions of the brain, which may be indicative of certain types of dementia or other neurological disorders.
A NeuroQuant brain MRI is a highly technical scan and must be interpreted only by a trained technologist.
How do the scan results help in planning your dementia care or treatment?
Results of a NeuroQuant brain MRI can show evidence of shrinkage of parts of the brain and may support a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Your medical provider will use these results to create and implement the best healthcare plan for you going forward.
How to schedule your MRI appointment with us
Touchstone Medical Imaging offers MRI scans in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Montana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Reach out to us at Touchstone, and we’ll help you schedule a mammogram appointment at an imaging center near you, today.
We’re here to help you get the answers you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A NeuroQuant brain MRI is a specialized imaging test that quantitatively measures brain atrophy for helping in the diagnosis of dementia.
NeuroQuant brain MRI provides detailed measurements of brain structures, which is not typically offered by standard brain MRI scans.
NeuroQuant brain MRI is recommended for diagnosing dementia because it can accurately measure brain volume changes associated with dementia.
Before your appointment, you should know any preparation instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including medication adjustments and dietary restrictions.
Yes, your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions such as fasting or withholding certain medications before your scan.
The procedure involves lying still in an MRI scanner while images of your brain are taken, using advanced software to analyze brain structure volumes.
A NeuroQuant brain MRI typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific protocols used.
The results are interpreted by comparing the volumetric measurements of brain structures against normative data to identify abnormalities related to dementia.