Diagnosing Alzheimer's dementia

To diagnose Alzheimer's dementia, you might see your healthcare professional. Or you might see a doctor trained in brain conditions, known as a neurologist, or a doctor trained to treat older adults, known as a geriatrician. The doctor or other healthcare professional reviews your symptoms, medical history and medicine history. Your health professional may interview someone who knows you well, such as a close friend or family member. You'll also have a physical exam and several tests.

During your appointment, your healthcare professional looks at:

• Whether you have impaired memory or thinking skills, also known as cognitive skills.
• Whether you exhibit changes in personality or behaviors.
• The degree of your memory or thinking impairment or changes.
• How thinking impairment affects your ability to function in daily life.
• The cause of your symptoms.

You may need lab tests, brain-imaging tests or detailed memory testing. These tests can provide useful information for a diagnosis. They also can rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.