Diagnosis
Overview of a diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for Alzheimer's disease is very important. There is no single test that can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. However, a trained doctor can diagnose the disease with up to 90 percent accuracy. (The only way to be sure of the diagnosis is by looking at the brain after death during an autopsy.) Medicare will pay for the evaluation and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease by a doctor. However, Medicare does not cover the cost of a brain autopsy.
Why should I get a diagnosis?
There are several reasons it is important for people with symptoms of Alzheimer's disease to get a diagnosis. A diagnosis may show that a person has a condition that can be treated. If diagnosed early, people with Alzheimer's disease may qualify for drug treatments that work best if started early in the course of the illness.
Once a diagnosis is made, patients and families can get information and help. An early diagnosis can help patients and family members make decisions about thefuture, like legal matters and choices about end-of-life care. In some cases, a diagnosis is a relief because it helps to explain a family member's symptoms and unusual behavior.
What does a diagnosis involve?
A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease involves a patient history, physical exam, mental status exam, neurological testing and laboratory tests.
Patient history
The patient and a family member talk with a doctor separately and together to learn about the patient's daily activities, mental and physical health and medical history.
Physical exam
A doctor will check the person's blood pressure and pulse. The doctor will also ask about nutrition and look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms the patient is having.
Mental status exam
The patient's sense of time and place, ability to remember, understand, talk and perform simple addition and subtraction are tested.
Neurological testing
A doctor checks the health of the person's brain by testing coordination, muscle tone and strength, eye movement, speech and sensation.
Laboratory tests
Laboratory tests, including a blood test, help to rule out conditions like anemia and vitamin deficiencies.
Additional tests
A doctor might also recommend other tests, including a psychological evaluation and brain scan. A psychological evaluation can rule out other mental illnesses, like depression. It can also test memory, reasoning, writing, coordination and the ability to express ideas. A brain scan helps to find out the cause of the dementia.
Diagnosis-where do I get one?
Many families turn first to their primary care physician. From there, they may be referred to a neurologist or other specialist or to a geriatric assessment clinic. For more information or to find the chapter nearest you, visit the Alzheimer’s Association Web site or contact your local chapter by calling 800-272-3900.
There are several specialty clinics within the U-M Department of Neurology that offer a range of clinical services for patients and families concerned about memory problems or movement disorders.
