Alzheimer's Disease

Etiology

Diagnosis

Signs and Symptoms

Care Management Strategies

Caregiver Support

References

Post-Test

Diagnosis

 The diagnosis of AD is one of exclusion or ruling out other conditions that can cause problems with memory, orientation, affect and judgment. The diagnosis will be “probable AD.” The only sure way to diagnose AD is by doing a brain biopsy, which would demonstrate the characteristic brain damage changes of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques. This is rarely done. The diagnosis is usually confirmed on autopsy.

By the time you care for your patients with AD they should have completed a battery of tests, which usually include:

• Comprehensive history and physical
• Blood work
• EEG and brain scans
• Vision and hearing screening
• Medication review
• Neuropsychological testing

In addition, family members, friends or co-workers were interviewed to supplement what the patient reports.