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Alzheimer's Disease: Making
a Diagnosis
The absolute diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can only be made at
autopsy. However, physicians at specialized centers can diagnose
Alzheimer's disease with 90 percent certainty based on clinical
information. To make the diagnosis the following may need to be
conducted:
- A medical history and neurological exam
- Neuropsychological testing
- Neuropsychological testing involves a careful analysis of a
person's memory, problem solving, language, attention, and visuospatial
ability.
- Basic blood tests
- Blood tests may be used to help exclude other causes of memory
difficulties. For example, a person with a thyroid disorder or
a vitamin deficiency may have problems with his or her memory.
- Brain scans
- A brain scan such as an MRI or a CT scan may need to be done
in certain patients to detect brain tumors or strokes. These disorders
may cause memory problems.
The informaton on this page is for reference and educational
purposes. There is no substitute for seeing your doctor.
Related Information
What is dementia?
Symptoms of dementia
Who gets Alzheimer's disease?
Treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Other Disorders
Frontal Lobe Dementia
News
in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia - Alzheimer's Forum
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For A Study page. If you would like to participate in a research
study and/or clinical trial, please contact us at 312-695-2343 or
by e-mail at CNADC-Admin@northwestern.edu
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