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Diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease

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Diagnostic Tests

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Cognitive tests will also be done. Blood tests and imaging may also be done to look for other causes. Some people may need more tests based on their health history.

Cognitive Tests

Cognitive tests will be done to look at:

Memory
Sense of time and place
Problem-solving
Focus
Language
Visual-spatial skills
Ability to learn
Decision-making skills

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests will be done to look for changes in the brain. This can be done with:

Blood Tests

Routine blood tests will be done to look for things that may be causing the health problems.

References

Alzheimer dementia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alzheimer-dementia. Updated August 9, 2019. Accessed October 8, 2019.

Alzheimer's disease medications fact sheet. National Institute on Aging website. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-medications-fact-sheet. Updated April 2, 2018. Accessed October 8, 2019.

Atri A. The Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Spectrum: Diagnosis and Management. Med Clin North Am. 2019 Mar;103(2):263-293.

What is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer’s Association website. Available at: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers%5Fdisease%5Fwhat%5Fis%5Falzheimers.asp. Accessed October 8, 2019.

Revision Information

Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Review Date: 09/2019
Update Date: 10/09/2019

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.