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It can take courage to speak up and to see a healthcare professional when you are concerned about the possibility of Alzheimer's disease. But seeing your healthcare professional is exactly the right thing to do. That's because if it is Alzheimer's disease, there is much that can be done.
Many people see their primary healthcare professional first when they suspect Alzheimer's disease. The primary healthcare professional will probably do the initial examination. After the examination, you may be asked to consult any of the following specialists:
- Neurologist — A doctor who specializes in the nervous system
- Geriatrician — A doctor who specializes in aging-related problems
- Psychiatrist — A doctor who specializes in mood or emotional problems
- Endocrinologist — A doctor who specializes in gland-related disorders, such as thyroid disease
Steps to a Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
No single medical test can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Your healthcare professional may ask detailed questions to make sure no other health problems are causing the symptoms you have noticed. The healthcare professional may also do or prescribe the examinations and tests below to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease:
- Medical history
You will be asked to describe any changes in memory, mood, or daily routine that you may have noticed. You will also be asked about any medicines being taken, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal therapies.
- Physical examination
Your healthcare professional will do a thorough physical examination to determine whether there are any problems that might cause symptoms like those of Alzheimer's disease.
- Laboratory tests
Small samples of blood and urine may be taken to check for other disorders, including infection, thyroid problems, certain vitamin deficiencies, or kidney or liver problems.
- Neuropsychological tests
One or more tests may be carried out to assess memory, attention, mood, and ability to use language and solve problems. A common test used for this is the Mini-Mental State Examination, or MMSE.
- Brain imaging scans
These tests, which include computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, are used to take pictures of the brain to look for other conditions that may cause symptoms like those of Alzheimer's disease, such as a stroke or tumor. Depending on the results of the medical history and physical examination, the healthcare professional may suggest these tests.
If It's Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease:
If the diagnosis is mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, you should know that you are not alone. Ongoing support and education are available, and so is treatment — effective treatment.
There are medications available, such as EXELON® PATCH, that may help to reduce the worsening of symptoms due to mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease dementia.
To find out how the prescription medicine, EXELON PATCH can help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia, click here.
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