Testing memory loss and other symptoms

Your healthcare professional may ask you to answer questions or perform tasks that measure your cognitive skills. The tasks help to evaluate your memory, abstract thinking, problem-solving, language usage and related skills.

• Mental status testing. This test focuses on your thinking skills, known as cognitive skills, and memory. The scores on these tests can reveal the degree of cognitive impairment.

• Neuropsychological tests. You may see a specialist trained in brain conditions and mental health conditions, known as a neuropsychologist. This specialist can do extensive tests of your memory and cognitive skills.

  The tests help your doctor and other healthcare professionals determine if you have dementia. They help your healthcare team know if you're able to safely complete daily tasks, such as taking medicines as scheduled and managing your finances. These tests also provide information on what you can still do as well as what you may have lost. And they can tell your healthcare professional if depression may be causing your symptoms.

• Interviews with friends and family. Doctors and other healthcare professionals may ask your family members or friends questions about you and your behavior.

  Healthcare professionals look for details that don't fit with your former level of function. Family members or friends often can explain how your cognitive skills, functional abilities and behaviors have changed over time.

These tests, the physical exam, and information on age and duration of worsening symptoms often are enough to diagnose Alzheimer's dementia. However, when the diagnosis isn't clear, healthcare professionals may need to order additional tests.