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Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is difficult because the patient’s signs and symptoms are subtle. (See Organic brain syndrome, page 662.) Diagnosis relies on an accurate history from a reliable family member, mental status and neurologic examinations, and psychometric testing. A positron emission tomography scan measures the metabolic activity of the cerebral cortex and may help in early diagnosis. An EEG and a computed tomography scan may help in later diagnosis. Currently, the disease is diagnosed by exclusion; that is, tests are performed to rule out other disorders. The presence of Alzheimer’s can’t be confirmed until death, when pathologic findings are revealed at autopsy.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is difficult because the patient’s signs and symptoms are subtle. The diagnosis is based on an accurate history from a reliable family member, mental status and neurologic examinations, and psychometric testing. Symptoms and history are compared with the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition – Text Revision.
A positron emission tomography scan measures the metabolic activity of the cerebral cortex and may help in reaching an early diagnosis. An EEG and a computed tomography scan may help in later diagnosis.
The disease is essentially diagnosed by exclusion: Various tests are performed to rule out other disorders. Ultimately, however, the disease can’t be confirmed until death, when an autopsy reveals pathologic findings.
CLINICAL TIP: Many researchers believe that the aluminum and silicon found in neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques occurs as a result of damage and isn’t a cause.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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