What is Alzheimer's ?

Diagnosis

The decision to get an assessment for Alzheimer's disease is often a difficult one. The person with possible symptoms may resist this step, even when family members are concerned. But persistence is key, since this process is essential to understanding the changes that are taking place - and why - even if it's not Alzheimer's disease.

The first step in investigating symptoms is to choose a doctor to visit. Since there is really no single type of physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of memory symptoms and Alzheimer's disease, and no single diagnostic test, it's a good idea to see a doctor with whom a person feels comfortable. Often, primary care physicians oversee the process themselves, though they may refer a patient to one of the following specialists:

Neurologist - a specialist in diseases of the brain and nervous system
Psychiatrist - an expert in disorders that affect mood or the way the mind works
Psychologist - especially one with special training in testing memory and other mental functions
Geriatrician - a physician specialized in delivering care to the elderly patient

What the process may involve

A diagnosis is made using the process of elimination, since the only current method of positively identifying the disease is to perform a physical examination of the brain, which can only be done after death. When other possible causes have been ruled out, physicians will arrive at a diagnosis of "probable" Alzheimer's disease. However, doctors making this diagnosis have been shown to be accurate 80 to 90 per cent of the time.

The process can take time, and involve several healthcare professionals. It may involve several or all of the following:

Medical history - which involves not only uncovering general health information, but also requires input from family members or friends to provide a broad picture of how the individual may have changed in recent months or years.
Mental status exam - which gives an overall sense of a person's current mental fitness. It may involve tests involving word recall, drawing, spelling, and questions such as "What city are we in?" or "What year is it?"
Physical exam - which is primarily to help the physician rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms.
Laboratory tests - which consist mainly of detailed blood work to rule out other causes of the person's symptoms.
Other tests - such as X-rays and an EEG (electroencephalogram) may be included in the process of elimination.

If the diagnosis is Alzheimer's disease

Though Alzheimer's disease is life-changing, remember that prompt, appropriate therapies can help a person better manage their symptoms and remain more independent for longer. Plus, caregivers can reach out for support from many different agencies, and learn from caregiver organizations how to better manage their new role.

Consider asking your doctor the following questions: