Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Association, it affects 5.3 million Americans, with a new case developing every 70 seconds. Though it can be diagnosed definitively only after death, it can be diagnosed with up to 90 percent accuracy using certain tests.

Symptoms

• Signs that should prompt testing for Alzheimer's disease include worsening memory loss, difficulty reasoning or thinking and communicating clearly, personality changes or mood swings, disorientation and trouble performing familiar tasks.

Preparing for Diagnosis

• Be prepared to provide the doctor with a medical history (including immediate relatives), a detailed account of symptoms, and a list of all current and recent medications taken.

Blood Tests

• Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease begins blood work to rule out other causes of dementia like infection, nutritional deficiency or a thyroid problem.

Psychological Tests

• A doctor will often test of a patient's cognitive functions (memory, thinking, communication, etc.) in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Brain Scans

• Tests including MRIs or CT or PET scans provide images of the brain that can pinpoint other possible causes of the dementia like tumors, clots or hemorrhaging.