There is no single test that proves a person has Alzheimer’s. The medical workup is designed to evaluate overall health and identify any conditions that could affect how well the mind works.

Understanding the problem

Be prepared for the doctor to ask:

• What kind of symptoms the person has been having

• When they began

• How often they happen

• If they have gotten worse

Reviewing medical history

The doctor will interview the person being examined or family members to gather information about current or past mental or physical illnesses.

It is helpful to bring a list of all the medications the person is taking. The doctor will obtain a history of key medical conditions affecting other family members, especially whether they may have had Alzheimer's disease or related disorders.

Evaluating mood and mental status

Mental status is tested to give the doctor a general idea of how well the mind is working. This testing gives an overall sense of whether a person:

• Is aware of having symptoms

• Knows the date, time and where he or she is

• Can remember a short list of words, follow instructions and do simple calculations

The doctor may ask the person his or her address, what year it is or who is serving as president. The individual may also be asked to spell a word backward, draw a clock or copy a design.

The doctor will assess mood and sense of well-being to detect depression or other illnesses that can cause memory loss and confusion.

Physical exam and diagnostic tests

The physician will:

• Evaluate diet and nutrition

• Check blood pressure, temperature and pulse

• Listen to the heart and lungs

• Perform other procedures to assess overall health

Samples of blood and urine will be collected, and other laboratory tests may also be ordered.

Information from these tests can help identify disorders such as anemia, infection, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, certain vitamin deficiencies, thyroid abnormalities, and problems with the heart, blood vessels or lungs. All these conditions may cause confused thinking, trouble focusing attention, memory problems or other symptoms similar to dementia.

Neurological exam

A physician, sometimes a neurologist who specializes in disorders of the brain and nervous system, will closely evaluate the person for problems that may signal brain disorders other than Alzheimer’s.

The physician will also test:

• Reflexes

• Coordination and balance

• Muscle tone and strength

• Eye movement

• Speech

• Sensation

The doctor is looking for signs of small or large strokes, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, fluid accumulation on the brain, and other illnesses that may impair memory or thinking.

The neurological examination may also include studying the brain’s structure with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT). MRIs and CTs can reveal tumors, evidence of small or large strokes, damage from severe head trauma or a buildup of fluid.

Researchers are studying other imaging techniques so they may better diagnose and track the progress of Alzheimer’s. Medicare will cover a positron emission tomography (PET) scan as an aid in diagnosis in certain cases.

Partnering with Your Doctor The Alzheimer’s Association workshop, “Partnering with Your Doctor,” offers tips on how to: Get a proper diagnosis Work with your doctor to get the best care Plan for follow-up visits For more information, call 1.800.272.3900 or contact the Alzheimer's Association.