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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