Feb 6, 2024
There is no single test that can determine if you have Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or a blend of both.
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
Have you ever wondered why it takes so long to get to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia?
The good news is that it should take a bit of time – because it is a diagnosis of exclusion – meaning any other issues have to be ruled out. So it’s a little more complicated than a single test can tell us.
In today’s episode, I will walk you through the types of tests, exams, and screenings that should be done to help your provider get to a diagnosis. Stay tuned!
▶ How is Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Diagnosed?
Investigating possible causes and early diagnosis is important because:
While there is no cure, there may be another underlying cause that is treatable/ reversible, or you have time to make lifestyle modifications that may help manage the disease.
It can explain why you’re having a harder time with your memory or decision-making
You can make decisions about your future and communicate those to your loved ones
There isn’t a single test. Any type of dementia is a “diagnosis of exclusion.”
HISTORY
PHYSICAL EXAM
MEDICATION RECONCILIATION
COGNITIVE SCREENINGS
BLOODWORK
BRAIN SCAN
HISTORY
Social History (modifiable risk factors)
Family History
Medical History – chronic diseases
Surgical History – history of post-op delirium
Review of systems
PHYSICAL EXAM
Vital signs
Head-to-toe
MEDICATION RECONCILIATION
Review of prescription medications, supplements and over-the-counter medication
COGNITIVE SCREENING
Screening for Depression
Screening for Memory Issues
Basic parts of the test measure:
Orientation (date, day, year, month)
Language (verbal fluency and naming)
Reason and computation (calculation and abstraction)
Visuospatial ability (replicating a 3-D image, clock drawing test)
Executive function (problem-solving)
Memory
Mini-Cog
Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA)
Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam
Online test can be found here; there are 4 version that you can download or you can take it online
BLOOD WORK
BRAIN SCAN
Head CT and MRIs – Look at brain structure
PET Scan – Uses a small amount of radioactive substance to measure
brain activity; can measure abnormal protein deposits in the brain
SPECT: Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography - A nuclear test that looks at blood flow and activity.
Get your checklist at https://melissabphd.com/diagnosischecklist/
#alzheimers #dementia #alzheimersawareness #caregiver #dementiaawareness #alzheimersdisease #seniorliving #homecare #healthcare #health #caregiversupport #care #memorycare #aging #thisisgettingold #melissabphd
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About MelissaBPhD
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse educator and nurse researcher with over 25 years of experience in the aging and long-term care healthcare space. You can visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about me, how you can work with me directly, and/or support future episodes of the podcast. Within the first 18 months of launching this podcast, we reached a ranking of top 10% globally. I have all of you who’ve been with me on this journey so far to thank for that!
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