Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia where brain cells are gradually destroyed leading to a progressive decline in mental function.  If you think you or a loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can mimic those seen with treatable medical conditions so doctors often focus on ruling out these conditions.  Some examples are vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, drug reactions, and depression. 

The only sure way to diagnosis Alzheimer’s disease is to look at the brain tissue after death.  A variety of assessments and testing performed by doctors and specialized centers can diagnosis Alzheimer’s disease correctly 90 percent of the time.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• The only sure way to diagnosis Alzheimer’s disease is to look at the brain tissue after death.
• Diagnostic tests performed by doctors and specialized centers can diagnosis “probable” Alzheimer’s disease correctly 90 percent of the time.
• Symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease can mimic those seen with treatable medical conditions.
• Early diagnosis offers the best chance to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and gives you and your family time to talk, discuss care options, and prepare for worsening symptoms.

Will I live longer if I receive testing for Alzheimer's disease?
No, there is no evidence that testing for Alzheimer's disease will lengthen your life.

Will the testing for Alzheimer's disease improve my quality of life?
Yes, early diagnosis allows you and your family time to plan and make choices that can maximize quality of life.

Does testing for Alzheimer's make my symptoms better?
Yes, if a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is determined there are some prescription medications that may help to delay or prevent symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time.

Does the treatment of Alzheimer's disease make my symptoms better?
Prescription medications developed to treat early and middle stages of the disease may help to delay or prevent symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time.

How safe is this for me?

There is very little risk from having a blood sample taken from a vein. You may develop a bruise at the puncture site and in rare cases the vein may become inflamed. If you have a bleeding problem or take blood-thinning medication, you should tell your doctor before the blood sample is drawn.

A brain scan is a low-risk procedure. The amount of radiation you receive during the scan is minimal. The scan may be ordered with or without contrast (usually an iodine-based liquid given in the vein) that makes many organs and structures more visible. The most common problem is a reaction (itching, rash, hives, or a feeling of warmth throughout the body) to the contrast material. Antihistamines may be given to help relieve the symptoms. In rare cases, a more serious reaction called an anaphylactic reaction (difficulty breathing, severe hives) may occur.  This reaction is quite rare, but is potentially life-threatening if not treated.

Researchers are investigating the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans to determine if they may play a potential role in diagnosing Alzheimer's as well as monitoring the progression and response to treatment of the disease. No conclusions have been reached as to the effectiveness of this technology in diagnosing Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging estimate direct and indirect care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease to be $100 billion annually.  The cost of care in a nursing home averages $42, 000 per year, but can cost more than $70,000 per year in some areas.

The cost may or may not be covered by insurance.

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