Diagnosic tests for Alzheimer's disease and dementia
A lumbar puncture is not a routine test in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It can be performed to exclude people showing apparent dementia type symptoms who are suffering from rare diseases of the central nervous system. These diseases can be caused by infections such as TB (tuberculosis), syphilis and certain types of fungal inflammations.
A lumbar puncture test involves inserting a needle into the lumbar canal to take a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid circulates in and around the brain and spinal cord supporting and protecting them, supplying chemicals and removing waste products.
The lumbar puncture test can be both uncomfortable and frightening. It is also expensive. The test is safe if done by an experienced doctor but it can have the side effects of headache and inflammation. The American Academy of Neurology does not recommend this test as it is not any better at diagnosing Alzheimer's disease or dementia than by clinical judgement.
Research is being undertaken into the levels of Tau and amyloid protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. It is hoped that levels may help in the future diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
02/06/2006
