Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia. It's a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain for which there is no cure (as of 2009). Alzheimer's disease slowly destroys the brain, leaving people unable to care for themselves and affecting memory and cognitive function. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include forgetfulness, confusion, inability to recognize people and things that are familiar, and difficulty performing everyday chores and responsibilities.
Alzheimer's disease can only be truly diagnosed after death during an autopsy, according to the National Institute on Aging. But doctors can perform a number of tests to help pinpoint Alzheimer's disease as the likely cause of an individual's symptoms.
Step 1
Keep a record of the symptoms. A doctor will need to know what kind of symptoms an individual has been experiencing in order to make a better diagnosis. He'll need a description of symptoms, an estimate of how long they've been occurring, how frequently they occur and if they've been progressing, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
Step 2
Review the medical history. A physical examination and a careful review of an individual's medical history are necessary to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The medical history includes a previous history of illnesses and injuries, as well as a history of illnesses (particularly Alzheimer's and dementia) in the family.
Step 3
Take the mini-mental state exam. Also called the MMSE, this is a simple test of questions and answers that tests a person's cognitive function and memory. Questions involve reciting and repeating three objects, counting backward, identifying the day of the week, date and year, copying a picture or following simple instructions. There's another version of the mental status test called the mini-cog, which involves saying three objects, waiting a few minutes and repeating them back. It also requires the patient to draw a clock face, label numbers in the correct order and draw a specific time.
Step 4
Undergo a neurological examination. A neurological exam checks an individual's reflexes, speech, sensory function, balance, strength and movement of the eyes. This is a necessary part of the diagnostic process for Alzheimer's disease.
Step 5
Do diagnostic testing. Imaging scans of the brain can give an idea of some of the damage done to help identify Alzheimer's disease. Blood tests will also be conducted to rule out other possible causes of Alzheimer's symptoms. Blood tests can help to rule out infections, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular problems, nutritional deficiencies, and alcohol and drug use.
Tips and Warnings
- If you suspect Alzheimer's disease, seek a prompt diagnosis so that treatment can begin quickly to try to slow the progression of the disease.
- Make sure that people with Alzheimer's disease are properly cared for to prevent accidents and injury.
