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Early Alzheimer's Detection Methods

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive illness that destroys brain cells and causes dementia. Dementia is a state of memory impairment, cognitive decline and personality and behavioral changes. There is currently no single detection method to accurately diagnose this illness. The process for diagnosing Alzheimer's includes several steps involving medical evaluations, screenings and tests to rule out other dementia-causing conditions. A probable Alzheimer's disease diagnosis is made through the process of elimination. More research is being conducted to improve early detection methods.

  1. Medical Evaluation

    • The first step in detecting Alzheimer's disease is to undergo a complete medical evaluation by a physician. Both the individual and family members will be interviewed to provide a complete picture of the patient's medical history and the level of his current physical and mental functioning. The physician looks at the individual's memory skills, his understanding of time and place, and his ability to do simple calculations. The physician also evaluates the nutrition level and overall condition of the patient.

    Neurological Exam

    • If Alzheimer's disease is suspected after the medical evaluation, the patient will usually be referred to a neurologist to test the functionality of her brain and nervous system. The evaluation will test coordination, eye movement, speech and reflexes. The physician will also look for signs of other conditions that cause brain disorders, such as previous strokes, brain tumors, fluid accumulation in the brain and Parkinson's disease.

    Laboratory Tests

    • Several laboratory tests may be ordered to diagnose Alzheimer's disease by ruling out other conditions. Blood counts will be analyzed to look for anemia, diabetes and kidney or liver problems. Testing will also look for abnormal levels of certain vitamins and thyroid hormones in the body that can cause dementia. The patient may undergo an EEG (electrocardiogram) to look for evidence of seizures and other abnormal brain activity. A CT (computerized tomography) scan and an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be conducted to look at images of the brain for indications of brain abnormalities such as blood clots, strokes and tumors.

    Potential Early Detection Methods

    • According to an article from the R&D Magazine, researchers involved in the National Institute on Aging's (NIA) Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNA) reported promising results at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna on July 14, 2009. They found that brain scan technology such as PET (positron emission tomography) and SPECT (single proton emission tomography) can measure changes in the brain that can show an early indication of Alzheimer's disease. The study is also working on identifying Alzheimer's biomarkers. Biomarkers are a characteristic or substance in the body that can be evaluated and measured as a risk indicator for a disease.

    Significance

    • Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is beneficial for both the patient and her family. An early diagnosis may improve the patient's quality of life through effective treatment. Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease are most helpful in the earlier stages of the illness. Proper treatment may slow down the rate of decline, resulting in more independence and time to plan for the future.

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