There is no urine or blood test for diagnosing Alzheimer's. Further complicating matters, several other dementias and diseases exhibit similar symptoms, especially in beginning stages.
Doctors must work through a process of elimination. When they eliminate other possible causes for symptoms, and reach the full criteria for Alzheimer's, they make a diagnosis. However, it might take a while to reach a correct diagnosis.
Neurologists conduct the following tests and examinations when diagnosing Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's Diagnosis Examinations & Tests
- Gather medical history.
- Physical examination to determine current health status.
- Neurological tests
- Blood tests
- Chest X-Ray
- Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT scan)
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Genetic Testing
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Neuropsychological Testing
- Urinalysis
To learn more about Alzheimer's diagnosis, please refer to Alzheimer's Diagnosis.
