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Diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease

Diagnostic Tests

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Cognitive tests will also be done. Blood tests and imaging may also be done to look for other causes. Some people may need more tests based on their health history.

Cognitive Tests

Cognitive tests will be done to look at:

  • Memory
  • Sense of time and place
  • Problem-solving
  • Focus
  • Language
  • Visual-spatial skills
  • Ability to learn
  • Decision-making skills

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests will be done to look for changes in the brain. This can be done with:

Blood Tests

Routine blood tests will be done to look for things that may be causing the health problems.

References

  • Alzheimer dementia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alzheimer-dementia. Accessed April 6, 2022.
  • Alzheimer's disease medications fact sheet. National Institute on Aging website. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-medications-fact-sheet. Accessed April 6, 2022.
  • Atri, A. The Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Spectrum: Diagnosis and Management. Med Clin North Am. 2019; 103(2): 263-293.
  • What is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer’s Association website. Available at: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers. Accessed April 6, 2022.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-03-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.