Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal brain disease that as many as 5.3 million Americans currently live with, according to the Alzheimer's Association. While no cure currently exists the Texas Department of State Health Services states that a variety of tests exist, allowing doctors to make a positive clinical diagnosis with an accuracy of 85 to 90 percent.
Physical Examination
The Texas Department of State Health Services states that the purpose of a complete physical examination includes ruling out any other possible causes of the symptoms of Alzheimer's, such as heart, thyroid or kidney disease. During this exam, doctors take the patient's blood pressure and pulse, and evaluate his nutritional status. The doctor will also ask about the patient's medical history, which includes any family history of health problems, the patient's current mental and physical condition as well as any prescription drugs he currently takes.
Evaluation of Mental Status
A mental status evaluation assesses the patient's ability to remember, understand and perform mental math, deficiencies in which may signal signs of Alzheimer's. The doctor may ask questions such as about the current year and President. He may also ask the patient to spell words backwards or to write a simple sentence, both of which test cognitive skills. The Mayo Clinic adds that this testing, known medically as neuropsychological testing, may take hours to complete.
Blood Tests
Anemia, infections, diabetes and vitamin deficiencies can cause symptoms of Alzheimer's. To rule these--and other--conditions out, the doctor may order blood work. In addition to blood tests, doctors also take urine samples.
Brain Scans
Tumors, blood clots and strokes can cause symptoms that mirror those of Alzheimer's. To ensure none of these conditions are the underlying culprit, brain scans are performed. These scans pinpoint any visible abnormalities, while showing any areas of the brain that may appear less active and dense with the plaque responsible for Alzheimer's. The most common tests include an MRI, CT scan and PET scan.
