Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease
Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease
Doctors take a two-pronged approach to diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. First, they ask patients questions and perhaps have them fill out one of the standardized questionnaires used to assess memory and other parts of thinking. The purpose is to evaluate people's cognitive problems to see if what they're experiencing is consistent with Alzheimer's.
Second, doctors will order various tests to rule out other conditions that can affect mental functioning. Any CT or MRI brain scans or blood tests that might be done are part of this process of elimination.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
