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Diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease
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
