Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease
There is no single test that can definitively diagnosis Alzheimer's disease. However, a qualified physician that completes several diagnostic steps can diagnose Alzheimer's with over 90% accuracy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Early-Onset Alzheimer's: Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
About 5% of those with Alzheimer's disease have early-onset Alzheimer's, which affects people younger than age 65. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
About 5% of those with Alzheimer's disease have early-onset Alzheimer's, which affects people younger than age 65. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
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.
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.
About.com Symptom Checker
About.com's Symptom Checker takes you through a series of questions to determine the possible causes of your symptoms and whether to follow up with your doctor or provide self-care. While this tool cannot diagnosis Alzheimer's, dementia, or any other condition, it's a good place to start if your symptoms are vague.
About.com's Symptom Checker takes you through a series of questions to determine the possible causes of your symptoms and whether to follow up with your doctor or provide self-care. While this tool cannot diagnosis Alzheimer's, dementia, or any other condition, it's a good place to start if your symptoms are vague.
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.
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.
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.