Incremental value of amyloid PET in a tertiary memory clinic setting in China.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to investigate the incremental value of amyloid positron emission tomography (Aβ‐PET) in a tertiary memory clinic setting in China. METHODS: A total of 1073 patients were offered Aβ‐PET using 18F‐florbetapir. The neurologists determined a suspected etiology (Alzheimer's disease [AD] or non‐AD) with a percentage estimate of their confidence and medication prescription both before and after receiving the Aβ‐PET results. RESULTS: After disclosure of the Aβ‐PET results, etiological diagnoses changed in 19.3% of patients, and diagnostic confidence increased from 69.3% to 85.6%. Amyloid PET results led to a change of treatment plan in 36.5% of patients. Compared to the late‐onset group, the early‐onset group had a more frequent change in diagnoses and a higher increase in diagnostic confidence. DISCUSSION: Aβ‐PET has significant impacts on the changes of diagnoses and management in Chinese population. Early‐onset cases are more likely to benefit from Aβ‐PET than late‐onset cases. Highlights: Amyloid PET contributes to diagnostic changes and its confidence in Chinese patients.Amyloid PET leads to a change of treatment plans in Chinese patients.Early‐onset cases are more likely to benefit from amyloid PET than late‐onset cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]