Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis

If a parent or family member began to show signs of dementia or Alzheimer's possible you may feel overwhelmed and unable to understand what to do. Your most important priority is to get a diagnosis. The sooner you can put a name on the problem, the easier it is to organize a plan of care.

There is no single test for Alzheimer's disease or most other dementias. In fact, a definitive diagnosis can be made after death by examining brain tissue changes indicative. But doctors can diagnose probable Alzheimer's disease with as much certainty of 90 percent. Start here:

It is almost always family members, more doctors, which places the first signs of Alzheimer's disease. Start by writing the comments that you and others make the person you're concerned. You'll be better able to see patterns or changes in the frequency of certain behaviors that if you keep a mental record. This evidence is extremely useful when talking with health professionals and may even help when the topic with family and friends.

The same book can also serve as your "playbook" through the journey of your family, a central source of all information that will be needed not only to make a diagnosis, but to develop a plan for continuing care. With all the information you need in one place can be a useful shorthand for families.

What to record:

• His medical history: past and current medical problems and conditions
• current medications and their dosages
• Other family members' histories of diseases (including Alzheimer's disease and other dementias)
• Contact information for physicians and pharmacists
• A record of who was consulted and when
• Symptoms.

Try to include as much information as possible about the person of condition - and not just the things you think are generally associated with Alzheimer's disease. Other medical problems or unexpected changes (such as falls or incontinence) may be linked to the disease.

As soon as you suspect Alzheimer's, to invest a little time become familiar with the disease. There are many tour Alzheimer's Association's Brain and learn how the brain works and how it affects Alzheimer's disease.

With the comments you made to the person you are concerned about a foundation and knowledge base on Alzheimer's disease, you are ready to consult a health professional.

• Begin by his primary care physician regularly. This professional is optimal because it pointed out a member of your family over time. But if the doctor does not seem particularly knowledgeable about dementia and does not seem to take your concerns seriously, it's probably time to find a more appropriate choice, preferably someone with experience in the treatment of dementia. Contact your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Disease Association, Alzheimer's Disease Center, another Alzheimer's program, or system reference hospital. A geriatrician (a doctor who specializes in treating the elderly) may be particularly useful.
• Go along the office visit. Even if you do not have a history of attending medical appointments, try to get to it: "I was worried about you. Let us ensure that everything goes well and see if the doctor can help you with this memory problem. I'll come with you because you know they now say it's a good idea for more than one adult for all types of medical appointments. In this way, between us, we will keep track of everything the doctor says. "
• Be ready to go. Bring your field book, including a list of medications he is taking, and a list of questions you'd like answered, and medical history, if a new physician . Remember to include a request.