There are many different causes of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is just one of the most common. Some forms of dementia can be reversed. Unfortunately, despite recent medical advances, Alzheimer’s cannot. That’s why it’s crucial to pinpoint the exact cause of the symptoms.

Expect your doctor to spend a great deal of time gathering the patient’s complete medical history, doing a thorough examination and ordering several tests to make sure Alzheimer’s disease is the correct diagnosis.

MEDICAL HISTORY

The first thing the physician will need to do is pinpoint when the onset of behavior and cognitive changes occurred. This is done by interviewing the spouse, caregivers, family members and friends. He or she will want a precise list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications the patient is currently taking. Also expect the doctor to thoroughly explore any history of stroke, alcoholism, head trauma, diabetes, thyroid disease or seizure.

The doctor will also want a information about the patient’s education level, work history and the medical history of all close family members.

EXAMINATION

The doctor must first rule out any other diseases with symptoms that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain hemorrhage and tumors. He or she will perform a battery of standardized tests to evaluate language skills, perception, orientation, motor skills and memory.

TESTING

Several tests are typically done before the final diagnosis is given. Blood work can rule out other causes like thyroid disease, B12 deficiencies and syphilis. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain takes about 10 minutes and allows doctors to see “slices” of the brain so stroke, tumors and other uncommon causes of dementia can be ruled out. More detailed brain images can be gained from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This takes slightly longer but provides more detailed images.

Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease is often slow to progress and getting a correct diagnosis isn’t a speedy process either. But proper treatment can often slow the progression of the disease and reduce the severity of the symptoms.

About The Author

William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer’s Resource Center. He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. For more information you can visit his website at www.BeatAlzheimers.com.

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Alzheimer's... Bath Time For Your Alzheimer’s Patient Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is one of the most difficult things you can do. It involves a lot of energy, time and patience. It can be very frustrating. People with Alzheimer’s may refuse help from caregivers. This is a sign that they are actually trying to communicate with you. Refusal to accept care is a sign that something is missing or not right. It’s up to the caregiver to assess the situation. If your loved one refuses to take her bath or shower, this might be a clue that something is bothering her. It may be embarrassment. Remember that your loved one used to do all these things alone before she had Alzheimer’s and now she has to depend on another person. It is very frustrating. You may have to limit bath time. Approach the situation one step at a time in a non-threatening manner. While you help your loved one undress, use a smooth calming voice. As you bathe her, you can talk about old memories you used to share. It will make the process more enjoyable and pleasant...

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