Alzheimer's Disease

The diagnosis Diagnosis
The process by which a physician determines what disease a patient has by studying the patient’s symptoms and medical history and by analyzing any tests performed (blood, urine, brain scans, etc.). of Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease
A neurological disease that affects memory and behaviour. It is characterized by beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. There is no known cause but genetics and lifestyle are thought to play a role. remains what is known in medicine as a clinical diagnosis. That means that the diagnosis cannot be made by a blood test, X-ray X-ray
A type of high energy radiation that can be used to take pictures inside the body. (even an MRI MRI
A x-ray technique that generates cross-sectional images of a human brain and can reveal a contrast between normal and abnormal tissues. The image produced is similar to those generated by CT scans. There are no side effects or risks associated with MRI scans, although MRI can affect electrical devices like pacemakers and hearing aids.) or any other machine, but by an expert physician. The physician makes the diagnosis by speaking to the person with Alzheimer's disease, by asking specific questions of that person and of someone who knows them well, and by asking questions that are grouped as tests. For example, a common test is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The blood tests and brain imaging that are commonly ordered are done to make sure that other causes are not present.

To diagnose Alzheimer's disease, the physician must first diagnose that dementia is present. Next, Alzheimer's disease needs to be established as the cause of the dementia. One method of doing this is detailed in Understanding Dementia. The book's authors set out four questions that need to be addressed whenever a physician is asked to evaluate a memory Memory
The ability to process information that requires attention, storage, and retrieval. complaint:

1. Does the person with a memory complaint have a memory problem? Sometimes other causes, such as depression Depression
A disorder where a person experiences a constant state of sadness and low mood which interferes with their daily activity. or even deafness can be mistaken for a memory problem.

2. What type of memory problem? Here, we are trying to answer a few specific and crucial questions:

a).  Is it a memory problem on its own, or is it seen together with impairments of other parts of cognition, such as language, attention and concentration, calculation and drawing?

b).  Is the problem new (or worse)?

c).   Does the problem interfere with function? Does it mean that the person has to limit their work, or social dealings, or what they do around the house?

3. What is the cause?

4. What can we do to help the person?

It is common for a person to have even more questions and concerns about the disease after receiving a diagnosis. Due to the fact that often times Alzheimer's disease tends to run in families, other members of the family may have questions about the disease as well. These questions are best suited for your family doctor Family doctor
A doctor who provides generalized, primary care to their patients., so it may be helpful to schedule an appointment to learn more about the disease and to express your concerns.