Griffin Health expands PET imaging to aid in dementia diagnosis

DERBY - Griffin Health is proud to announce the expansion of its Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging capabilities to include Vizamyl, a breakthrough tool in dementia diagnosis.

Vizamyl (flutemetamol F18 injection) is an FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical agent used in PET scans to visualize beta-amyloid neuritic plaques in the brains of adult patients. 

The presence of these plaques is a critical biomarker in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. With the integration of Vizamyl into its imaging portfolio, Griffin is equipped to assist neurologists, geriatricians, and referring physicians in the complex process of dementia diagnosis and treatment planning.

“The availability of Vizamyl PET imaging represents a significant step forward in Griffin Health’s commitment to providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools for cognitive health,” said Griffin Health Vice President of Diagnostic and Cancer Services Christine Cooper, MS, CNMT, RT(N), RSO, FACHE, FAB. “Early and accurate diagnosis is key to effective patient care, and this expansion ensures our facility is aligned with the most current standards in neuroimaging.”

Vizamyl PET imaging is particularly valuable in cases where the cause of cognitive decline is uncertain, or where a definitive diagnosis would guide clinical decision-making. 

The scan results can provide additional information to either support or rule out the presence of Alzheimer’s pathology, contributing to a more informed and confident diagnosis.

Griffin offers a comprehensive approach to support neurology patients and their families, including affiliated neurologists (for indicated treatments), physical and occupational therapy, primary care, support groups, and community resources.

For more information about Vizamyl PET, call 203-732-7265 or visit www.griffinhealth.org/vizamyl. 

Healthcare providers can schedule Vizamyl PET scans for eligible patients by faxing orders to Central Scheduling at Griffin Health at 203-732-1559.

Griffin Health enhances Parkinson's diagnostic imaging tool

Griffin Health Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Department has expanded its capabilities for more accurate and timely diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease.

Griffin is now offering DaTscan® (Ioflupane I 123), an innovative diagnostic molecular imaging tool used to evaluate dopamine transporter availability in the brain. 

With expansion of services to include this type of neuroimaging, Griffin Health is enhancing its ability to assist neurologists, primary care physicians and other specialists in differentiating between Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, supporting more accurate and timely diagnoses.

DaTscan imaging involves injecting a small amount of the radiopharmaceutical (a specialized drug that has a radioactive component) into the bloodstream, followed by a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan to capture detailed images of the brain. This procedure is non-invasive, safe, and typically takes less than an hour to complete.

“The addition of DaTscan provides a significant advancement, improving the accuracy and timeliness of diagnoses for patients with Parkinsonian syndromes,” said Griffin Health Vice President of Diagnostic and Cancer Services Christine Cooper, MS, CNMT, RT(N), RSO, FACHE, FAB. “With early and accurate diagnosis, patients can receive appropriate treatment more quickly, which can have a positive impact on their long-term health and quality of life.”

Griffin Health is now accepting referrals for DaTscan. Referring providers can contact the Griffin Nuclear Medicine Department at 203-732-7271 for more information and orders can be faxed to Central Scheduling at 203-732-1559.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Photo show at Shelton coffeehouse to benefit Alzheimer's Association

SHELTON - Resident Patrick Doyle will host a photo show and sale from 3-5 p.m. Saturday to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter

One of Doyle's photographs.

at Three Bridges Coffeehouse, 415 Howe Ave.

The coffeehouse is in the Conti Building.

Doyle was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Lobe Dementia at the age of 53. 

The disease has had a huge impact on him and his family. 

Despite all his hurdles, he is still an avid photographer.

Doyle wants to do his part to end Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia.

For information contact Maria Tomasetti, Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter at mtomasetti@alz.org or 203-230-1777, ext. 9706 with any questions.

This information is taken from a press release.