Use of Amyloid Positron-Emission Tomography to Diagnose Alzheimer's Disease in Clinical Practice in South Korea: Expert Recommendations.

Abstract

Amyloid positron-emission tomography (PET) is the optimal method for detecting amyloid plaque deposition in patients experiencing cognitive decline, which is essential for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. However, its clinical application globally has been restricted by the high cost, short radiotracer half-life, and significant accessibility challenges. In particular, the lack of treatment options following diagnosis has been considered the largest obstacle to using amyloid PET as a diagnostic tool. Consequently, the current appropriate-use recommendations for amyloid PET tend to support restricting its use. However, the relatively low cost and superior accessibility of amyloid PET in South Korea have resulted in it being used much more frequently in clinical settings than in other countries. The recent introduction of disease-modifying drugs has increased the importance and frequency of amyloid PET usage. Considering these circumstances, this article presents expert opinions on the appropriate use of amyloid PET in South Korea based on existing recommendations and survey results from dementia experts in South Korea.