Hope Ek A.S.H.A. Nov, 03 2022 How Is Alzheimer Disease Usually Diagnosed
There is no single comprehensive diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s Disease. Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of a patients symptoms and mental abilities. Unlike many diseases which can be diagnosed by a marker in the blood or an X-Ray; Alzheimer’s cannot be fully confirmed until autopsy, when the plaques and tangles can be seen in the brain.
Having trouble following instructions, losing ones orientation, display of poor judgement and having difficulty managing money, shopping or driving are all possible symptoms of Alzheimer disease. When a person is experiencing such declines, visit the doctors for the medical examination which usually includes -
(a) Patient History
Observations by members of the family, family history of dementia, mental well being which includes assessing for depression and current health status. In case one has a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, a genetic test might be done.
(b) Physical Examination
The doctor will take your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and measure your height and weight.
(c) Blood and Urine Tests
These will be done to reveal any underlying infections, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, thyroid problems and anaemia. Deficiency of vitamin B12, metabolic imbalances in thyroid, liver and kidney can also cause symptoms of dementia.
(d) Mental Health
With the help of Mini - Mental state exam, the doctor will come to know about ones mental cognitive abilities namely memory, language and organisational skills. This test includes questions regarding the persons whereabouts and he is asked to perform simple tasks to evaluate his ability to remember, understand and communicate.
(e) Neurological exam
To get an idea of how well your brain and nerves are functioning, some neurological tests are done. These exams may help determine which part of the brain is affected.
(f) MRI
Modern science has made it possible now to view the brain through different imaging technologies. In people with Alzheimer disease, Shrinkage in some areas of the brain may be detected through these techniques.
g) CT Scan
A CT Scan, also called Computerised Axial Tomography or CAT scan, is useful for diagnosing strokes due to haemorrhage.
(h) PET or Positron Emission Tomography
A PET scan helps reveal which parts of the brain are working hardest during particular mental activities. In a person who has Alzheimer, A PET scan typically shows less brain activity than that which occurs in a healthy person.
(i) SPECT or Single Photon Emission
Computed Tomography
SPECT is another scan that looks at blood flow through the brain rather than the structure of the brain. Research suggests that the information provided by a SPECT may help in confirming the diagnosis of dementia in some cases.
The doctors rely on the results of all these different evaluations to determine whether one has Alzheimer disease, some another form of dementia or it is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Scientists have recently developed a number of new biomarkers and brain scanning techniques that may help to improve diagnosis of Alzheimer disease
