Source: One Healthy Lifestyle
If you suspect that a loved one may be experiencing one or more symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to see a doctor. He or she will find out if the symptom you are concerned about is an indicator of the disease or of another condition. While the condition is always fatal, early diagnosis allows the patient’s family to prepare for the care he or she will need as the disease progresses.
There is no litmus test that proves the existence of the disease, but a diagnosis of the condition is correct 80 to 90 percent of the time. A medical doctor will evaluate the patient’s medical history and administer a number of tests. These tests include a physical exam and blood tests to help rule out other contributing conditions. A mental test will also be administered, requiring the patient to perform simple memory and processing tasks. In some cases other specialists may be involved in the diagnosis, and brain imaging can be used to evaluate the progression of the disease.
Earlier diagnosis giving Alzheimer’s a new voice
Alzheimer’s patient Kris Bakowski attends The Alzheimer’s Association town hall meeting about the early stages of the disease, Monday, May 12, 2008, in Washington. Alzheimer’s patients now a… Read more…
MRI scans can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s - WorldHealth.net
“This study demonstrates that MRI brain scans are accurate enough to be clinically useful, both in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease itself at an early stage and in identifying people at risk … Read more…
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[...] 12 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The direct and indirect cost of caring for Alzheimer’s victims in the United States alone is [...]