> Diagnosing Alzheimer's

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's
Although there is no single test that can definitively diagnosis Alzheimer's disease, a qualified physician can diagnose Alzheimer's with over 90% accuracy. Learn what to expect during a diagnostic workup and what kinds of specialists may be involved in the process.

What is the MMSE?
The most common mental status exam used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), a research-based set of questions that provides a score about a person's general level of impairment. Learn what types of questions are included in the MMSE and how the MMSE is scored.

Imaging Procedures Used in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Imaging procedures produce detailed pictures of the brain to detect changes in brain structure or size that are common among those with Alzheimer's disease. Learn about the most common imaging procedures used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, including CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans.

Neuropsychological Tests Used In The Evaluation Of Alzheimer's Disease
Neuropsychological testing is sometimes used in the evaluation of Alzheimer's disease to learn more about the nature and level of a person's impairment. Learn about neuropsychological tests commonly used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, such as the ADAS-Cog, Blessed Test, CANTAB, Clock Drawing Test, Cognistat, and NPI.

Diagnostic Criteria for Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is difficult to diagnose, but the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) outlines a detailed set of criteria that must be met in order to assign a diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

Types of Dementia
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia -– in fact, almost two-thirds of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer's disease. However, a host of other conditions can also cause dementia, including the 10 described here.

Is It Depression or Dementia?
When depression creates cognitive symptoms that look like Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, it's often referred to as pseudodementia. Learn the differences between depression and Alzheimer's and how medical professionals can distinguish between the two.

What Is Delirium?
Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of changes in consciousness and cognition. Caused by an acute medical condition that significantly affects brain functioning, delirium is sometimes mistaken for Alzheimer's disease. Learn about delirium and how it differs from Alzheimer's and other kinds of dementia.

Reversible Disorders
If you think your loved one may have Alzheimer's, it's important to obtain an accurate diagnosis because the cause may be a reversible disorder. Learn about reversible medical conditions that can look like Alzheimer's, such as pseudodementia, thyroid problems, dehydration, malnutrition, infections, and medication problems.

Early Indicators of Alzheimer's Disease
Before a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, people often notice early indicators -- either about themselves or about a relative -- that signal possible Alzheimer's. Be aware of the 10 classic warning signs first identified by the Alzheimer's Association.

Six Things You Should Know About Memory Screenings
Now that Alzheimer's is recognized as a growing health problem, a variety of memory screenings have been developed and offered as a means of early detection. There are arguments on both sides of the issue regarding whether memory screenings are a good idea. In order to make an informed choice about taking a memory screening, here are six things you should know.

Steps to Getting a Diagnosis
The Alzheimer's Association describes the various tests that a physician may perform in order to accurately diagnosis Alzheimer's disease.

Neurological Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke developed this explanatory publication to help families understand what happens during a neurological exam, which screening tests are most commonly used, and how different tests and procedures help pinpoint diseases.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Is So Important -- A Real Example
Alzheimer's can only be diagnosed by ruling out all other possible causes for the Alzheimer's-like symptoms. Think how tragic it would be to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer's when the cause of your symptoms is actually a reversible medical condition? In this article from Neurology, the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology, a real example of misdiagnosis is described.

Directory of Brain Banks
Even though Alzheimer's can be diagnosed with over 90% accuracy through a comprehensive diagnostic workup, the only way to increase diagnostic certainty to 100% is to conduct an autopsy upon the person's death. The Alzheimer Research Forum provides a directory of brain banks that perform autopsies for Alzheimer's disease and maintain brain tissue samples for research.