Are PET Scans for Alzheimer’s Disease Accurate?

In this episode, we explore one of the most common questions families ask during the Alzheimer’s diagnostic process: How accurate are PET scans? We explain what an amyloid PET scan looks for, what the results can and cannot tell you, and why PET scans are only one part of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.You’ll also learn how PET scans work alongside cognitive testing, MRI and CT scans, biomarkers, and medical history to help providers make informed, person-centered decisions. This episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical understanding for individuals and families navigating dementia testing.Sources & ReferencesThe Lancet – Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers and diagnostic imagingNational Institute on Aging (NIA) – Dementia biomarkers and diagnostic toolsPsychology Today – Dr. Barry Rovner on Alzheimer’s diagnosis accuracyNorthwestern Medicine – Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s diseaseUPMC Neuropathology – Brain autopsy as the gold standard for diagnosisUC Davis Health – Advances in Alzheimer’s testingMayo Clinic (2025) – FDA-approved blood testing for Alzheimer’s diseaseAbout the Host:Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.