How can alzheimers disease be diagnosed

Genetic testing generally isn't recommended for a routine Alzheimer's disease evaluation. The exception is people who have a family history of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Meeting with a genetic counselor to discuss the risks and benefits of genetic testing is recommended before undergoing any tests.

Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your Alzheimer's disease-related health concerns Start Here. Current Alzheimer's medications can help for a time with memory symptoms and other cognitive changes. Two types of drugs are currently used to treat cognitive symptoms:. Cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs work by boosting levels of cell-to-cell communication by preserving a chemical messenger that is depleted in the brain by Alzheimer's disease.

These are usually the first medications tried, and most people see modest improvements in symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors may also improve neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as agitation or depression.

Commonly prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors include donepezil Aricept , galantamine Razadyne and rivastigmine Exelon. The main side effects of these drugs include diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. In people with certain heart disorders, serious side effects may include cardiac arrhythmia. This is the first drug approved in the United States to treat the underlying cause of Alzheimer's by targeting and removing amyloid plaques in the brain.

The FDA approved the drug on the condition that further studies be conducted to confirm the drug's benefit. Experts also need to identify which patients may benefit from the drug. Sometimes other medications such as antidepressants may be prescribed to help control the behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. Adapting the living situation to the needs of a person with Alzheimer's disease is an important part of any treatment plan.

For someone with Alzheimer's, establishing and strengthening routine habits and minimizing memory-demanding tasks can make life much easier. You can take these steps to support a person's sense of well-being and continued ability to function:. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Various herbal remedies, vitamins and other supplements are widely promoted as preparations that may support cognitive health or prevent or delay Alzheimer's.

Clinical trials have produced mixed results with little evidence to support them as effective treatments. Vitamin E. Although vitamin E doesn't prevent Alzheimer's, taking 2, international units daily may help delay the progression in people who already have mild to moderate disease.

However, study results have been mixed, with only some showing modest benefits. Further research into the safety of 2, international units daily of vitamin E in a dementia population will be needed before it can be routinely recommended. Supplements promoted for cognitive health can interact with medications you're taking for Alzheimer's disease or other health conditions. Work closely with your health care team to create a safe treatment plan with any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements.

Healthy lifestyle choices promote good overall health and may play a role in maintaining cognitive health. Regular exercise is an important part of a treatment plan.

Activities such as a daily walk can help improve mood and maintain the health of joints, muscles and the heart. Exercise can also promote restful sleep and prevent constipation — and it's beneficial for care partners, too. People with Alzheimer's who develop trouble walking may still be able to use a stationary bike, stretch with elastic bands or participate in chair exercises.

People with Alzheimer's may forget to eat, lose interest in preparing meals or not eat a healthy combination of foods. They may also forget to drink enough, leading to dehydration and constipation.

Social interactions and activities can support the abilities and skills that are preserved. Doing things that are meaningful and enjoyable are important for the overall well-being of a person with Alzheimer's disease. These might include:. People with Alzheimer's disease experience a mixture of emotions — confusion, frustration, anger, fear, uncertainty, grief and depression. If you're caring for someone with Alzheimer's, you can help them cope with the disease by being there to listen, reassuring the person that life can still be enjoyed, providing support, and doing your best to help the person retain dignity and self-respect.

A calm and stable home environment can help reduce behavior problems. New situations, noise, large groups of people, being rushed or pressed to remember, or being asked to do complicated tasks can cause anxiety.

As a person with Alzheimer's becomes upset, the ability to think clearly declines even more. Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease is physically and emotionally demanding.

Feelings of anger and guilt, stress and discouragement, worry and grief, and social isolation are common. Caregiving can even take a toll on the caregiver's physical health. Paying attention to your own needs and well-being is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for the person with Alzheimer's. Many people with Alzheimer's and their families benefit from counseling or local support services. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association affiliate to connect with support groups, doctors, occupational therapists, resources and referrals, home care agencies, residential care facilities, a telephone help line, and educational seminars.

Medical care for the loss of memory or other thinking skills usually requires a team or partner strategy. If you're worried about memory loss or related symptoms, ask a close relative or friend to go with you to a doctor's appointment. In addition to providing support, your partner can provide help in answering questions.

If you're going with someone to a doctor's appointment, your role may be to provide some history or your thoughts on changes you have seen. This teamwork is an important part of medical care for initial appointments and throughout a treatment plan. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a neurologist, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist or other specialist for further evaluation. Toggle navigation. What is Alzheimer's disease? How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed and evaluated?

How is Alzheimer's disease treated? This involves a careful medical evaluation, including a thorough medical history, mental status testing, a physical and neurological exam, blood tests and brain imaging exams, including: CT imaging of the head : Computed tomography CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. Physicians use a CT of the brain to look for and rule out other causes of dementia, such as a brain tumor, subdural hematoma or stroke.

MRI of the head : Magnetic resonance imaging MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI can detect brain abnormalities associated with mild cognitive impairment MCI and can be used to predict which patients with MCI may eventually develop Alzheimer's disease.

In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, an MRI scan of the brain may be normal. In later stages, MRI may show a decrease in the size of different areas of the brain mainly affecting the temporal and parietal lobes. Another nuclear medicine test called a single-photon emission computed tomography SPECT scan is also used for this purpose.

Using PET scanning and a new radiotracer called C PIB , scientists have recently imaged the build-up of beta-amyloid plaques in the living brain. Radiotracers similar to C PIB are currently being developed for use in the clinical setting. Send us your feedback Did you find the information you were looking for? Yes No. Area Code:. Phone no:. How is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed? Share or Print this page. Select a Topic. Medical Tests for Diagnosing Alzheimer's From mental status testing to imaging, learn how Alzheimer's is diagnosed.

Why Get Checked? Visiting Your Doctor Get questions to ask and learn what to expect at a visit for symptoms. Life After Diagnosis Learn how to get support and live your best life after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's.