Best of....Diagnosis Resources

Learn why early diagnosis of dementia is important and how to prepare for a diagnosis:

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Source: 
Harvard Magazine
Description: 
This article discusses the importance of consulting a doctor after the first signs of memory loss and other conditions that mimic Alzheimer's disease.
Your rating: None Average: 4 (3 votes)
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American Federation for Aging Research
Description: 
This article highlights the difficulties of diagnosing the correct type of dementia, especially in the early stages of the disease. New tests under development to facilitate accurate and early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease are discussed in detail.
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Alzheimer's Society (Canada)
Description: 
This web page discusses the process of making the diagnosis of dementia and the importance of finding a cause for symptoms such as memory loss. It also discusses how an individual should prepare for the assessment, the family's role in diagnosis, and what to ask a doctor following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Read some general information about how doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia:

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Alzheimer's Australia
Description: 
This sheet discusses the early signs of dementia and describes what an assessment for dementia typically includes. There is also a section that offers ideas on where to find help if a person will not visit the doctor.
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Texas Department of State Health Services
Description: 
This web page discusses the diagnostic tools and criteria available that help physicians make an accurate Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Your rating: None Average: 4.3 (3 votes)
Source: 
Alzheimer's Association
Description: 
This web page describes the steps to diagnosis, from finding the right doctor and reviewing medical history, to the tests typically given when making a diagnosis. The web page also discusses the downfalls of the many home screening tests that are available to consumers, and emphasizes that assessment and diagnosis must be performed by health care professionals.
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Source: 
Mayo Clinic
Description: 
This article discusses issues regarding Alzheimer's diagnosis, including the warning signs, why people delay going to their doctor, why physicians may hesitate to make a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, and the benefits of early diagnosis.
Your rating: None Average: 3.7 (3 votes)
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Elder Care
Description: 
This article discusses the differential diagnosis of dementia.
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Source: 
Mayo Clinic
Description: 
This web page dedicated to diagnosis of Lewy body dementia describes the tests that should be performed as part of making a diagnosis, including psychiatric assessments, blood tests, different types of brain imaging, and other tests.

Learn about the tests and procedures that doctors use to diagnose dementia:

Your rating: None Average: 4.3 (3 votes)
Source: 
Alzheimer's Association
Description: 
This flow chart shows the steps in making a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and the diagnostic procedures used. Different causes of memory loss are also discussed, including Alzheimer's, depression, medication-induced dementia, endocrine and nutritional disorders, and others.
Your rating: None Average: 4.5 (2 votes)
Source: 
Cleveland Clinic Health System
Description: 
This web page lists and describes the tests used to help make a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Your rating: None Average: 4.3 (3 votes)
Source: 
Alzheimer Research Forum
Description: 
This web page describes the three standard tests that are used to diagnose Alzheimer's: laboratory tests, radiology, and neuropsychological testing. Nonstandard tests are also described, which include genetic tests, blood tests, EEGs, and others.