It is not unusual for any individual to experience absentmindedness or moments of confusion due to stress or temporary illness. If however these symptoms persist and worsen it would be well to consult a physician to discuss your concerns.
To determine if a patient has Alzheimer’s a doctor will first try to eliminate other possible causes of any symptoms of dementia.
Dementia is not considered a disease but is a word used to describe conditions suffered by someone that indicates a progressive problem with brain function. These symptoms can be the result of a stressful illness such as diabetes or Parkinson’s. They could come about due to an accident or brain tumor. Certain medications can also produce similar side affects.
These symptoms may include such things as: an inability to concentrate and follow simple directions, chronic forgetfulness, neglecting proper hygiene, getting easily disoriented, asking the same things over and over again, and getting lost in what should be familiar surroundings.
Although a physician may readily be able to diagnose that a patient is suffering from dementia it is more difficult to pinpoint the cause.
To begin with, the physician will want to know as much as possible about when the symptoms began, how often they occur and if they have progressively worsened.
He will conduct a series of simple tests involving memory, cognitive ability and the capacity to follow a set of directions. These tests are specifically designed to test everyday skills and are not meant to be difficult.
He will also be concerned with the overall state of health of the patient. Are they aware of the problem themselves? Are they disinterested, having trouble paying attention or perhaps unusually moody?
Another area of concern will be the family medical history. This is to find out if others connected genetically to the patient have had either Alzheimer’s or a similar condition.
An overall physical exam will be conducted to either discover or eliminate the possibility of another disease or disorder that can cause similar symptoms. Included in this is a neurological examination that tests such aspects as reflexes, speech, balance, coordination, and eye movement.
Advancement in technology with the use of MRI’s also allow the doctor to investigate more thoroughly the structure of the brain with regard to the shape and volume of brain tissue, and the function of the brain as to how active it is in using oxygen and sugar. Though there is no current standard for clearly defining what a brain affected by Alzheimer’s will look like, these aspects help eliminate other problems such as tumors. Since some researchers believe that evidence of brain shrinkage and reduced brain activity in certain areas may indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s the results of MRI’s may be valuable in a diagnosis. However, there is yet no standard value that could be applied to each unique individual that would be conclusive as to the presence of Alzheimer’s. So the goal of the doctor in making a diagnosis is to start by eliminating as many other options as possible.
