How Do They Test For Alzheimer’s And Dementia

Other Scans And Procedures To Diagnose Dementia

Other types of scan, such as a SPECT scan or a PET scan, may be recommended if the result of your MRI or CT scan is uncertain.

However, most people will not need these types of scans.

Both SPECT and PET scans look at how the brain functions, and can pick up abnormalities with the blood flow in the brain.

If a specialist is worried that epilepsy may be causing the dementia symptoms, an EEG may be taken to record the brain’s electrical signals , but this is rare.

Page last reviewed: 3 July 2020 Next review due: 3 July 2023

Memory Tests Doctors Use For Dementia

The idea that your memory might be slipping is a scary one indeed. Its not always accurate, however, and there are memory tests that doctors can use to test whether its actually happening or not.

A certain amount of forgetfulness is normal as we grow older. We may forget someones name or fail to pay a bill. Such memory lapses are mild and usually a normal part of aging. We have all had instances of losing track of our keys and not remembering the name of the movie we saw last month.

For me, Ive always been great with peoples faces, but their names, or even worse dates forget about it .

There are, however, more serious signs that our short-term memory is failing and that we need to discuss the situation with a doctor. How do we tell the difference?

What Are The Benefits Of Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic testing for dementia can be helpful in several ways:

• It can provide certainty about the persons diagnosis. This may then help the person and their family to come to terms with the diagnosis and allow them to plan for the future.
• It can help them decide if they want to have children and, if so, how they might avoid passing the disease on.
• It makes it possible for members of the persons family to have predictive testing if they want to.

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The Short Answer To A Big Question

On this page we will discuss the development of an Alzheimers / dementia Life Expectancy Calculator, but lets first address the question most people ask after receiving the diagnosis of an incurable disease: How long do I have left to live? With dementia, the answer differs depending on the type. By far the most common form of dementia is Alzheimers disease, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 10 years. Other dementias have different life expectancies. Someone with vascular dementia lives for about five years after diagnosis. Someone who has dementia with Lewy bodies will typically live for six to twelve more years.

Average life expectancies for the most common types of dementia are as follows:

Blood Test For Alzheimers Highly Accurate In Large International Study

When combined with genetic risk factors, test up to 93% accurate at identifying people at risk of Alzheimer’s dementia

Neurologist Randall J. Bateman, MD, the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Distinguished Professor of Neurology, inspects a mass spectrometry machine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Using mass spectrometry, Bateman and colleagues have developed a blood test that is up to 93% accurate at identifying people at risk of Alzheimer’s dementia.

A blood test developed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has proven highly accurate in detecting early signs of Alzheimers disease in a study involving nearly 500 patients from across three continents, providing further evidence that the test should be considered for routine screening and diagnosis.

The study is available in the journal Neurology.

Our study shows that the blood test provides a robust measure for detecting amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimers disease, even among patients not yet experiencing cognitive declines, said senior author Randall J. Bateman, MD, the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Distinguished Professor of Neurology.

Developed by Bateman and colleagues, the blood test assesses whether amyloid plaques have begun accumulating in the brain based on the ratio of the levels of the amyloid beta proteins A42 and A40 in the blood.

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What Is The Purpose Of Pgd For Families Affected By Dementia

Not every attempt at PGD works. However, when it is successful, PGD allows people affected by a familial dementia to have a child who is almost certain not to have the genetic change that the affected parent has. This means that the child will not develop the type of dementia caused by that gene change.

Predictive Testing And Genetic Counselling

Predictive testing can be stressful. If a person receives a positive test result, they will know for certain that they will develop dementia. This can be very difficult information to take in.

For this reason, predictive genetic testing will only be done with genetic counselling both before and after the test. This is to make sure that the person is aware of what it means to have the result of a genetic test, both for them and for their family. Many people have counselling but dont then go on to take a test.

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Assessment For Dementia Usually Includes The Following:

Personal history

The doctor usually spends some time discussing your medical history and gathering information about your changes in memory and thinking.

Physical examination and laboratory tests

The symptoms of dementia can be due to a number of other possible causes, such as vitamin deficiency, infection, metabolic disorders and side effects from drugs.

These other causes are often easily treated.

Therefore, an early step in diagnosing dementia is to rule out these causes through a physical examination, blood tests and urine tests.

Routine laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of dementia include:

• Blood tests to investigate:
• Drug interactions and dosing problems

Cognitive testing

Cognitive tests are used to measure and evaluate cognitive, or thinking, functions such as memory, concentration, visual-spatial awareness, problem solving, counting and language skills.

Most doctors use short cognitive screening tests when assessing these functions. If more detailed testing is required you will be referred to a neuropsychologist a psychologist specialising in the assessment and measurement of cognitive function.

Cognitive tests are vital in the diagnosis of dementia and are often used to differentiate between types of dementia. They can also be used to assess mood and may help diagnose depression, which can cause symptoms similar to those of dementia.

How Will These Guidelines Be Reviewed And Updated In The Future

As results become available, future panels will consider emerging technologies and advances in the understanding of biomarkers and the disease process itself. The diagnostic framework was intended to be flexible enough to incorporate new scientific findings. The Alzheimers Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, funded in part by NIA, is actively researching the field of preclinical disease and biomarkers.

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What Are The Main Differences Between The 1984 Diagnostic Criteria For Alzheimers Disease And The 2011 Guidelines

The 2011 guidelines differ from the 1984 diagnostic criteria in a few key ways. They:

• Recognize that Alzheimers disease progresses on a spectrum with three stagesan early, preclinical stage with no symptoms a middle stage of mild cognitive impairment and a final stage marked by symptoms of dementia. The 1984 criteria addressed only one stage of diseasethe final stage of dementia.
• Expand the criteria for Alzheimers dementia beyond memory loss as the first or only major symptom. They recognize that other aspects of cognition, such as word-finding ability or judgment, may become impaired first. The 1984 criteria focused on memory loss as the central emerging characteristic of Alzheimers dementia.
• Reflect a better understanding of the distinctions and associations between Alzheimers and non-Alzheimers dementias, as well as between Alzheimers and disorders that may influence its development, such as vascular disease. In 1984, these relationships were not well recognized or understood.
• Recognize the potential use of biomarkersindicators of underlying brain diseaseto diagnose Alzheimers disease. However, the guidelines state that biomarkers are almost exclusively to be used in research rather than in a clinical setting. These biomarkers did not exist when the original criteria were developed in 1984, so confirmation of the diagnosis was possible only through autopsy after death.

Why Would Anyone Want An Early Alzheimers Diagnosis

The SAGE test is useful because it helps you understand if your concerns are something to be worried about.

If the results seem to indicate that there could be a problem, you might think theres no point in talking with the doctor because theres no cure for dementia.

The most important is that a treatable condition could be the cause of cognitive impairment. Finding out sooner means getting treatment ASAP to eliminate the cognitive symptoms.

If the cognitive impairment is caused by Alzheimers or dementia, a major benefit is that starting treatment early is far more effective in managing symptoms and delaying progression of the disease.

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Why Early Detection Can Be Difficult

Alzheimers disease usually is not diagnosed in the early stages, even in people who visit their primary care doctors with memory complaints.

• People and their families generally underreport the symptoms.
• They may confuse them with normal signs of aging.
• The symptoms may emerge so gradually that the person affected doesnt recognize them.
• The person may be aware of some symptoms but go to great lengths to conceal them.

Recognizing symptoms early is crucial because medication to control symptoms is most effective in the early stages of the disease and early diagnosis allows the individual and his or her family members to plan for the future. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact a physician.

How The Sage Test For Dementia Works

SAGE stands for Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination and was developed by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

The SAGE test has 12 questions that cover all aspects of cognition, including memory, problem solving, and language.

There are 4 different versions of the test. Theyre similar enough, but having multiple versions means that someone could take the test once a year and wouldnt improve their score each year just from the practice of taking it before.

This way, the test is slightly different each time.

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How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed

Doctors use several methods and tools to help determine if a person with thinking or memory problems has Alzheimers disease. To diagnose Alzheimers, doctors may:

• Ask the person experiencing symptoms, as well as a family member or friend, questions about overall health, use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diet, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality.
• Administer a psychiatric evaluation to determine if depression or another mental health condition is causing or contributing to a person’s symptoms.
• Conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language.
• Order blood, urine, and other standard medical tests that can help identify other possible causes of the problem.
• Perform brain scans, such as computed tomography , magnetic resonance imaging , or positron emission tomography , to support an Alzheimers diagnosis or rule out other possible causes for symptoms.

Doctors may want to repeat these tests to help best determine how the persons memory and other cognitive functions are changing over time. The tests can also help diagnose other causes of memory problems, such as stroke, tumor, Parkinsons disease, sleep disturbances, side effects of medication, an infection, or another type of dementia. Some of these conditions may be treatable and possibly reversible.

People with memory problems should return to the doctor every six to 12 months.

Tips For Talking With Your Doctor About Dementia

Your doctor can help answer the questions that you have about Dementia. You may want to know some helpful tips and things to expect.

Before your appointment

• Ask a family member or close friend to go to your appointment with you. They will help you remember the questions you want to ask and what the doctor tells you during the appointment. They can also share with the doctor things they have observed. Most of all, they can serve as emotional support for you if you need them during your appointment and after.
• Choose the best time of day for you. You will want to make an appointment at a time when you feel well-rested and alert.
• Write down any symptoms that you are experiencing that are giving you trouble.
• Write down any questions that you have for your doctor.

What to Bring with you to your appointment

You will want to be sure to bring the following information to your appointment.

• List of symptoms. Include when you or your loved ones first noticed them. Note if they have worsened over time or improved.
• Any medications or supplements that you are currently taking. This includes vitamins and over-the-counter medications.
• Personal and family medical history.
• List any questions that you may have.

During Your Appointment

While at the doctor, you will want to keep these questions in mind.

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How Is Alzheimers Disease Treated

Medical management can improve quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimers disease and for their caregivers. There is currently no known cure for Alzheimers disease. Treatment addresses several areas:

• Helping people maintain brain health.
• Managing behavioral symptoms.
• Slowing or delaying symptoms of the disease.

How Accurate Is It

SAGE test scores are considered an accurate indicator of the symptoms of dementia, suggesting that the SAGE test is a reliable instrument for detecting cognitive impairment. In studies, it compares favorably with the Mini-Mental State Exam , a standard exam for testing cognitive ability that must be administered by someone else.

In terms of accuracy in diagnosing dementia, the SAGE test has higher sensitivity than the MMSE as well as higher specificity .

Sensitivity refers to a test’s ability to correctly identify a disease, while specificity refers to a test’s ability to correctly identify those without a disease.

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How To Take The Sage Test

If you are taking the paper version of the test, youll find four slightly different variations of the test on the official website. It doesnt matter which one you take. The test consists of four pages. Print it out and answer the questions in ink without the assistance of others. Don’t look at a clock or calendar while taking the test and just do the best you can.

You can take the test in virtually any setting. It will usually take about 10 to 15 minutes but theres no set time limit.

Its important not to cheat in order to get a better assessment.

In some cases, you might choose to take the test at your doctors office where it can be evaluated right away.

Know The Benefits Of Early Diagnosis

It is essential to understand the benefits of an Early diagnosis when living with Dementia. Understanding the benefits may help you see your doctor begin learning how to cope and live with this diagnosis. These benefits include:

• Your doctor will diagnose you with an accurate Dementia Diagnosis based on symptoms and testing.
• Become actively involved in future healthcare and personal decisions.
• Get more effective treatments.
• Focus on what is most important in your life.
• Make choices for your future, including legal and financial matters.
• Use and understand resources that are available to you.
• It gives your family time to understand the challenges and the progression of such challenges.
• You can raise awareness of Dementia while you still can.

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When And How Should Healthcare Professionals Apply The Revised Guidelines In Clinical Practice

The core clinical criteria for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimers disease and Alzheimers dementia can be applied to clinical practice immediately. The new guidelines for the diagnosis of preclinical Alzheimers are for research settings only further research is needed to refine, validate, and standardize biomarkers before they are ready for general clinical practice. However, fluid and imaging biomarker tests may in some cases supplement standard clinical tests in specialized clinical settings, such as research centers, to determine possible causes of MCI and to increase or decrease the certainty of an Alzheimers dementia diagnosis.

Understanding A Dementia Diagnosis

A Dementia diagnosis may take a long time to confirm. Healthcare providers want to ensure the diagnosis is accurate, so they may ask for additional tests and screenings.

This is because no specific test can give you a dementia diagnosis.

An official diagnosis will be provided, after your doctor has multiple test results, medical history, and the evidence they need to confirm that you are living with Dementia.

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Dementia Tests You Can Do At Home

There is no one correct way that you can test for conditions like Alzheimers or other forms of dementia without taking a medical test that a doctor can give. But you can do an easy memory test at home. The test may help give you an indication that something may be wrong with your, or somebody elses memory. It helps differentiate between normal everyday forgetfulness that we sometimes get and something more serious.

We take a look at two ways that you can a do at home dementia test

Word Association Tests

Simple word tests can be used to help detect memory problems a person may have.

Our brain saves and stores all the words we learn during our lives in our memories which then allows us to recollect what a word means without thinking about it.

A person who is having difficulty remembering words or confusing their words could have a problem that is associated with their memory. Word association tests such as the one below seem to work well in detecting memory problems.

• Ask the individual taking the test to name all the animals they can think of in one minute.
• Ask the individual to name all the types of fruit they can remember in one minute.

Test Results Research has found that a healthy individuals scoring should between 20 to 25 words in the time given whereas a person who may have memory problems usually scores between 10 15

The Clock Drawing Test. Do at Home Dementia Test.

Dementia Clock Test Results