EP167: How is Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Diagnosed?

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   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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!    The best way you can help the podcast continue to grow is to LIKE the podcast with a thumbs up, SHARE the podcasts you like with others, SUBSCRIBE, and LEAVE A REVIEW. These things only take a minute of your time, but they really do help increase my rating and ranking; but more importantly, these actions help other people find the podcast.   For the most up-to-date news and information about the podcast and other products and services I am offering, please visit my website, sign up for my newsletter, and follow me on social media.