The Caring Corner®
Ways to Diagnose Alzheimer’s
There is no single test that can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are a number of tests that can help to rule out other conditions and to diagnose Alzheimer’s.
Some of the most common tests used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Mental status exam. This is a series of questions and tasks that are used to assess a person’s memory, thinking, and language skills.
- Neurological exam. This is a check of a person’s reflexes, strength, and coordination.
- Blood tests. These tests can be used to rule out other conditions, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies, that can cause memory problems.
- Brain imaging. This can be used to look for changes in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
If a person shows signs of memory loss or other cognitive problems, it is important to see a doctor to be evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
