Diagnosing Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

Last updated: 28-Oct-2008

If you suspect Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia, it’s important to get a diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis can help you organize a care plan and get treatment.

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What Causes Alzheimer's Disease and Who Gets It

Short-term memory loss is one of the most noticeable signs of Alzheimer's disease. But the disease process usually begins before symptoms are noticed. To assess if your parent is at risk of becoming one of the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer's, it's helpful to understand the risk factors that increase one's odds of developing the condition...
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Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A Beginner's Guide

Noticeable memory loss doesn't always mean Alzheimer's disease. All adults forget names, lose keys, and can't remember what they walked into a room to retrieve. Although many people reach their 80s and 90s with sharp minds, some forgetfulness is considered a normal side effect of busy, stressed lives and aging bodies...
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8 Signs to Watch for if You Suspect Alzheimer's

Applying the word "Alzheimer's" to your parent can be uncomfortable, even if the signs, or symptoms, have been adding up for some time. It's much easier to gloss over strange behavior: "Oh, Mom's just getting older."Or to rationalize: "Well, we all forget things sometimes."
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Non-Alzheimer's Causes of Dementia

Alzheimer's isn't the only explanation for dementia. Other causes include vascular dementia caused by strokes, Lewy body disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and other disorders. Proper diagnosis can influence treatment.
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What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?

How can I tell if my mother has Alzheimer's or dementia? I just know she's forgetting more and more.
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The Path to an Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis

If your parent has started to show signs of dementia or possible Alzheimer's disease, you may feel overwhelmed and unable to figure out what to do about it. Your most important priority is to get a diagnosis. The earlier you can put a name to the problem, the easier it is to organize a care plan.
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Do You Know the Difference Between Dementia and Normal Memory Loss?

Is your aging parent showing signs of Alzheimer's, dementia, or normal memory loss? Test your IQ about typical vs. worrisome memory issues.
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Is It Hard to Get an Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis?

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You notice certain lapses in memory or behavior. You worry. You suggest a check-up. You get stonewalled. Sound familiar?
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How do I get my husband to cope with his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis?

I feel my husband is in denial about his father's Alzheimer's disease. Even though this has been confirmed by a doctor and my father-in-law is on medications for the disease, there are still things my husband makes excuses for, for his dad...
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