"Alzheimer's Memory Tests And Brain Scans"

Doctors often use a range of tests to assess memory, problem solving skills, attention span, coordination, and abstract thinking abilities of a person.

There are many different types of neuropsychological tests that can be used in the diagnosis of Alzheimers disease, and these can help doctors determine the type of dementia a person may have, and to measure the disease's progression over time.

Additionally, these tests can provide a thorough description of the behavioral symptoms so that they can be appropriately managed and monitored.

The tests are also used to evaluate the effectiveness of the medications prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Common Alzheimer's memory tests include:

Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive (ADAS-Cog)

The MMSE is the most commonly used Alzheimer's memory test and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The MMSE is a thirty question test that samples a variety of areas of cognitive ability, such as memory, problem solving, and orientation. This examination is used to determine if a person�s cognitive ability is at what is considered a normal level.

Patients may be tested a number of times over a longer time period (such as every 6 months) to determine the rate of decline in performance over time.

In addition to such Alzheimers memory tests, however, the most important screening vehicle is observational behavioral analysis. People who have known the patient for a long time are the best equipped to determine if there has been a recent and significant change in mental state. Until Alzheimer's testing is perfected, observational data remains the best method of detecting possible dementia.

Brain Scans

Brain scans are sometimes used in the diagnosis of dementia. The most commonly used brain scans are :

Computerized Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

CT and MRI scans both generate excellent images of the internal structure and condition of the brain. PET scans can be used to monitor brain activity but are not typically used in the diagnosis of Alzheimers.

While CT, MRI and PET scans can detect important changes associated with dementia, a diagnosis cannot be based solely on a brain scan. Sometimes brain scans will reveal no significant changes in the brain.

Laboratory Testing