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There are many different causes of
dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is just one of the most common. Some forms
of dementia can be reversed. Unfortunately, despite recent medical
advances, Alzheimer’s cannot. That’s why it’s crucial to pinpoint the
exact cause of the symptoms.
Expect your doctor to spend a great
deal of time gathering the patient’s complete medical history, doing a
thorough examination and ordering several tests to make sure Alzheimer’s
disease is the correct diagnosis.
MEDICAL HISTORY
The first thing the physician will need
to do is pinpoint when the onset of behavior and cognitive changes
occurred. This is done by interviewing the spouse, caregivers, family
members and friends. He or she will want a precise list of any
prescription or over-the-counter medications the patient is currently
taking. Also expect the doctor to thoroughly explore any history of
stroke, alcoholism, head trauma, diabetes, thyroid disease or seizure.
The doctor will also want a information
about the patient’s education level, work history and the medical
history of all close family members.
EXAMINATION
The doctor must first rule out any
other diseases with symptoms that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, such as
Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain hemorrhage and tumors. He or she will
perform a battery of standardized tests to evaluate language skills,
perception, orientation, motor skills and memory.
TESTING
Several tests are typically done before
the final diagnosis is given. Blood work can rule out other causes like
thyroid disease, B12 deficiencies and syphilis. A Computed Tomography
(CT) scan of the brain takes about 10 minutes and allows doctors to see
“slices” of the brain so stroke, tumors and other uncommon causes of
dementia can be ruled out. More detailed brain images can be gained from
a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This takes slightly longer but
provides more detailed images.
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease is
often slow to progress and getting a correct diagnosis isn’t a speedy
process either. But proper treatment can often slow the progression of
the disease and reduce the severity of the symptoms.
About The Author
William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally
known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer’s Resource Center.
He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed
innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering
from Alzheimer’s. For more information you can visit his website at www.BeatAlzheimers.com.
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