Alzheimer’s dementia can be diagnosed in several different ways.
Often, Alzheimer’s is diagnosed through a doctor’s exam.
They will evaluate your signs and symptoms and do several tests.
They may talk to friends and family members to find out more about symptoms and behavior.
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, the most common bang out of dementia.
Your doctor will also perform a physical examination and conduct several tests.
Mental status testing.Your doctor may conduct mental status tests to test your thinking (cognitive) and memory skills.
Doctors use the scores on these tests to evaluate your degree of cognitive impairment.
Neuropsychological tests.You may be evaluated by a specialist trained in brain conditions and mental health conditions (neuropsychologist).
The evaluation can include extensive tests to evaluate your memory and thinking (cognitive) skills.
These tests can also evaluate if depression may be causing your symptoms.
Interviews with friends and family.Doctors may ask your family member or friend questions about you and your behavior.
Doctors look for details that don’t fit with your former level of function.
However, when the diagnosis isn’t clear, doctors may need to order additional tests.
Your doctor may recommend a cerebrospinal fluid examination to help with the diagnosis.
Amyloid and tau proteins can be measured in the cerebrospinal fluid.
The ratio of these proteins can help determine whether Alzheimer’s is present.
Alzheimer’s dementia results from the progressive loss (degeneration) of brain cells.
This degeneration may show up in a variety of ways in brain scans.
However, these scans alone aren’t enough to make a diagnosis.
Computerized tomography (CT).A CT scan uses X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of your brain.
There are different types of PET scans.
The most commonly used PET scan is a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scan.
This scan can identify brain regions with decreased glucose metabolism.
The pattern of metabolism change can distinguish between different types of degenerative brain disease.
These types of PET scans are typically used in the research setting.
Researchers are working on new ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s dementia earlier.
New tests might be able to diagnose the disease when symptoms are very mild or even before symptoms start.
Currently, researchers are developing tests that measure amyloid or tau in the blood.
Scientists are investigating several disease markers and diagnostic tests.
These biomarkers include genes and proteins, including tau, related to Alzheimer’s.
New imaging tests are also being developed.
These may help indicate whether you have Alzheimer’s dementia and how much the disease has progressed.
However, more research on these tests is necessary.
You may feel nervous about seeing a health care provider when you or a family member has memory problems.
Some people hide their symptoms, or family members cover for them.
It can be difficult to deal with the losses that Alzheimer’s dementia can bring.
These can include losing independence and driving abilities.
While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, an early diagnosis can still be helpful.
If another treatable condition is causing the memory problems, health care providers can start treatments.
For those with Alzheimer’s dementia, doctors can offer drug and nondrug interventions to manage symptoms.
Doctors often prescribe drugs that may slow the decline in memory and other cognitive skills.
You may also be able to participate in clinical trials.
An early diagnosis also helps you, your family and caregivers plan for the future.
Your care team can help you figure out ways to maintain independence, health and safety.
Updated: 5/7/2022
Publication Date: 12/2/2002
