Are you worried that you may have Alzheimer's disease?

Understand what goes into the diagnosis process and read our comprehensive guide for more information on what you can expect. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, a progressive degenerative brain disorder that affects memory, behavior, and thinking. Fortunately, there are ways to help slow or even stop its progression — such as early diagnosis and medical care.

This guide provides an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and explains what to expect during the diagnostics process.

Understand Testing and Evaluation

To diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, a physician will typically perform a variety of tests and evaluations. These may include blood tests, cognitive assessment or neuropsychological testing, physical examinations and scans such as an MRI or PET scan, to name just a few. Other common tests used in diagnosing this condition are neurological examinations meant to assess movement, coordination and reflexes; mental health assessments to check for depression; and genetic testing for gene mutations associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Brain Imaging Tests

Brain imaging tests are also commonly used to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. These tests can help to rule out other causes of dementia such as a stroke or tumor, as well as determine if the person has any structural changes related to this condition. The most common brain imaging tests for Alzheimer’s diagnosis are MRI and PET scans. During an MRI scan, a magnetic field and radio frequency pulses create images of areas inside the brain. A PET scan uses a small amount of radioactive material to measure how much glucose (sugar) is being used in various parts of the brain, which is an indicator of how active different parts are. Both types of test can provide valuable information about potential Alzheimer’s disease-related changes in a person’s brain structure or activity.

Cognitive Assessment Tests

In addition to brain imaging tests, a person will usually undergo cognitive assessment tests as part of their diagnosis process for Alzheimer’s disease. These tests evaluate specific areas such as memory and problem-solving skills. A physician will look at the results of all these tests together to make an accurate diagnose of Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Results from the psychological assessment, physical exam and laboratory test can also be used to diagnose any associated conditions such as depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies that may be contributing to the patient’s symptoms.

Neuropsychological Testing For Alzheimer's Disease

Neuropsychological testing for Alzheimer's Disease involves the use of tests that measures a person’s memory, language skills, problem solving abilities, and other cognitive functioning. These examinations help the physician rule out any other possible causes for dementia-like symptoms. The neuropsychological examination is done while the patient is awake and in a relaxed environment. It typically takes anywhere from one to five hours to complete.

Genetic Testing for Alzheimer's Disease

In some cases, a doctor may order a genetic test to help determine if there is an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. This type of testing involves analyzing a person’s DNA to look for any markers or changes in the genetic code that are linked to Alzheimer's Disease. If you are found to have one of these markers, it does not automatically mean that you will develop Alzheimer's but it does suggest that your risk is higher than average