If you or a loved one is having problems with your memory or other thinking skills (cognitive skills), PAMF's network of Alzheimer’s and brain health specialists can help you determine the cause of the problem. Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia are defined as a loss of memory and other mental abilities caused by changes in your brain.
Alzheimer’s disease, while common in older people, is not the only cause of cognitive impairment. There are other forms of dementia, some of which are much milder than Alzheimer’s. There are also a number of unrelated medical issues that can cause symptoms that look like dementia. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step.
The Diagnostic Process
No single test can determine if a person has Alzheimer’s disease. Our brain health specialists use a wide range of tools to assess cognitive function and rule out problems that can look like dementia (such as hearing loss and depression), as well as identify physical issues that can contribute to cognitive changes (such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which can cause vascular change in the brain).
Medical Exam and Laboratory Tests
Your doctor may assess you for cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and stroke, as well as for diabetes, infection, B-12 deficiency, and thyroid, liver and kidney issues. These and other conditions (including Parkinson’s disease, HIV infection, depression and infection) can cause cognitive problems that sometimes look like Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory tests on blood and urine samples can help to identify or rule out many of these conditions. Brain imaging is also essential early on as part of a thorough diagnosis.
Imaging Exams and Neurodiagnostics
Imaging scans of the brain can help your doctor diagnose some causes of cognitive impairment, such as a tumor, stroke, vascular dementia, head trauma and others.
Your neurologist may recommend additional tests, including:
- Laboratory evaluations such as blood work.
- A sleep evaluation to identify problems such as sleep apnea or breathing problems that can affect cognitive function.
- A nutritional assessment to assess your diet and see where adjustments can be made that might boost your energy, improve strength, or lower your blood sugar, cholesterol, or blood pressure levels.
