Tests for Alzheimer's Symptoms

One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. The disease causes healthy brain tissues to deteriorate which results in a progressive loss of memory and mental abilities. According to the Mayo Clinic nearly half the people over the age of 85 have Alzheimer's disease. Only five percent of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have the disease. Although it is not considered a part of normal aging, the risk increases with age.

Significance

• Ninety percent of Alzheimer's cases can be accurately diagnosed by doctors. Test are performed to distinguish the disease from other forms of dementia or memory loss.

Considerations

• Only after death can the disease be diagnosed with total accuracy. This is done by a microscopic exam of the brain, looking for tangles and plaques.

Types

• One way to test for Alzheimer's disease is to rule out other possible causes. This is done by taking blood tests looking for vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders.

Function

• Neuropsychological testing is used by doctors to test for the disease. It takes several hours, and works best in the early stages.

Identification

• Another way to help identify Alzheimer's disease is to use brain scans. These include magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and computerized tomography.