How do doctors diagnose Alzheimers disease?
Since there are multiple possible causes of dementia, Alzheimer’s often becomes a diagnosis of exclusion. Certain factors point to it as a cause of mental decline. Patient History Physical examination Cognitive assessment tests Biomarkers Brain Imaging Patient History Persons with Alzheimer’s disease, or more often their caregivers, will describe a pattern of loss of recent and remote memory, as well as a decline in abstract thinking abilities and poor judgment. Consciousness is normal in the first stages. It is imperative that the physician rule out other organic causes of dementia, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or depression, that might be mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease. back to top Physical examination A complete physical examination with a thorough evaluation of blood tests must be performed. Those blood tests include a complete blood count, blood chemistry tests, thyroid function studies, folate and vitamin B12 levels, syphilis test, and urinalysis. Other tests such as electroc
Mostly by the process of elimination. There can be many causes of dementia (loss of brain function, remember?). Dementia can be caused by medications, other illnesses or infections, depression, heart attack or stroke, hypothermia, low blood sugar and other problems. 10 to 20 percent of those over 65 with dementia have these other, reversible conditions. Let me give you an example. A dear family member of ours had been showing signs of “aging,” as we put it, for a few years. We didn’t think anything of it, just went along with it and loved him anyway. He had also been suffering with high blood pressure and mild heart trouble and soon had a stent put in. That is a tiny device to help keep a heart artery open. The difference in his mental outlook and capacity has been amazing as his blood circulation has become normal and of course it helped his blood pressure too. So not all dementia is permanent, some can by helped by treating the underlying cause. If you or your loved one is showing sy
