Evaluation and Diagnostics
We adhere to nationally recognized standardized diagnostic criteria to establish a diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition. An evaluation will determine if the changes in thinking or memory observed are due to normal aging or the presence of disease and whether the condition is progressive and may worsen with time.
The evaluation also looks for contributions from other medical conditions and additional symptoms such as behavioral or sleep changes.
A typical diagnostic workup is a multi-step process and includes:
- History and neurological exam
- Laboratory tests
- Neuroimaging
- Neuropsychological evaluation
The evaluation is a four-step process which typically takes place over the course of two weeks. The goal of the evaluation is to provide a diagnosis which will, in turn, determine what course of treatment to take.
Diagnostic Limitations for Alzheimer's Disease
While it is true that the presence of Alzheimer's disease can only be confirmed through autopsy or brain biopsy, a diagnosis can be made with greater than 90 percent accuracy when a complete workup is done, and nationally recognized, standardized diagnostic criteria are applied. It is important to realize there is no single lab test for AD. Similarly, having a brain scan alone will not determine if someone has AD because there may be no visible changes in the brain early on in the course of the disease, or the brain may show normal age-related changes or changes due to the presence of another type of dementia. A brain scan will tell your neurologist if the patient has had an injury or neurological event such as a stroke, but it cannot rule out the presence of Alzheimer's disease.
Monitoring, Treatment and Care
Our patients and family members receive the support of a multidisciplinary team over the course of their illness. Similar to diabetes or heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and other progressive dementias are chronic health conditions which require periodic reassessment and routine monitoring to ensure proper treatment.
Our patients are seen at least yearly for a complete checkup, including a full neuropsychological assessment to determine their response to treatment and degree of stabilization or progression.
Because we follow our patients closely and for such a long period of time, we are able to address the changing needs of both the patient and those who care for him.
