Q: What are the diagnostic tests used for Alzheimer's disease?
A: There are no specific laboratory tests that can tell unequivocally that you have Alzheimer's disease. Brain imaging for Alzheimer's can detect lesions that can suggest a possible Alzheimer's case.
A number of tests needs to be performed to eliminate other possible causes of Alzheimer's-like symptoms. The diagnosis is done by memory and cognition performance evaluation using specific non-invasive tests. These tests assess learning and retention of short-term memory.
They are very powerful and can distinguish normal aging-related memory deterioration and Alzheimer's-marked memory and learning deterioration. Together with other indices derived from brain imaging clinical and personal history, one can conclude that the patient is suffering from Alzheimer's symptoms.
Dr. Maurizio Grimaldi heads the Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory at Southern Research Institute.
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