Diagnosis
- Only an autopsy can confirm the presence of Alzheimer’s disease, but
clinicians can now diagnose it with near certainty.
- The sooner a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease is made, the easier it will
be to manage symptoms and plan for future care.
- Diagnosis may be based on a complete medical history, lab tests, a physical exam,
brain scans, and neuropsychological tests.
Next Step
Seven stages define the typical progression of Alzheimer’s.
Learn more
Consult a doctor promptly if you have concerns about a loved one’s memory loss or
thinking skills. A thorough medical examination can help determine whether symptoms
are caused by Alzheimer’s or a reversible condition such as depression, drug interactions,
thyroid problems, hormone imbalance, alcohol abuse, or vitamin deficiencies. You
may be referred to a specialist in Alzheimer’s for further testing.
While the presence of Alzheimer’s disease can by confirmed with absolute certainty
only by an autopsy, a thorough examination can diagnose “probable Alzheimer’s” with
up to 90 percent certainty. Such an examination may include a physical exam, lab
tests, brain scans, and neuropsychological tests that measure memory, problem solving,
attention, and language.
Before your visit, you and your loved one should be prepared to answer extensive
questions about symptoms. Ideally, you should create a list before the visit that
includes all symptoms, when they began, and how often they occur. Lists of current
medications and past and present health conditions are also helpful.
Next Step: Learn about the progression of the disease.
