Alzheimer's Unmasked

Paul Barton

woman taking test

A New Test For Alzheimer's You Can Take At Home

Ella Traver for ElderThink

 

Yes, the rumors are true. There is a new test for Alzheimer's Disease that you can get online and take at home. Researchers at Ohio State University have developed the test. It's called SAGE (Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination).

 

As with all new things, there is a caution to consider. If the test results suggest cognitive impairment, it might not mean you have Alzheimer's. There could be another cause such as depression or hidden heart disease. So if, when you take the test, indications are revealed, for goodness sake head for you doctor!

arrow GET SAGE TEST

Second Opinion Radiology

Our radiology second opinion service gives any patient or professional piece of mind. XMRI provides radiology second opinions for patients and professionals alike

 

 

More About Alheimer's Symptoms. The Alzheimer's Association has defined ten tell-tale signs of this terrible disease. We discuss them here.

arrow ALZHEIMER'S SYMPTOMS

"At first I thought it was a mistake. I was often annoyed with the darling person who shares my life. I was irritable with her because she was pointing out my problems. I used wrong words. I couldn't finish sentences. Of course she thought I just wasn't paying attention to her."

arrow IF YOU HAVE ALZHEIMER'S

memory loss causes

Alzheimer's Treatments There are two directions for treatment of Alzheimer's. The first (called cognitive symptoms) involves memory, language, paying attention, and judgment. The other involves emotional behaviors like temper outbursts, suspiciousness, or withdrawal.

arrow TREATMENTS FOR ALZHEIMER'S

 

Pittman & Davis

woman listening to her doctor

Gretchen Heuring

The Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Can Be Tricky

By | 07.25.2014

At Some Stages This Disease Mimics Other Causes of Memory Loss

 

Diagnosing Alzheimer's requires a careful evaluation. It's important to rule out other possible (and more easily treatable) causes of memory loss.

 

Prepare For Your Doctor Visit

The doctor will ask a lot of questions about your health. You may have answered many of these questions before but it is truly important to patiently answer them again. Recalling dates (approximate dates are ok) of surgeries and hospital stays will help. Actually, any trauma could be important, including loss of a loved one, an injury, or a fall. It's a good idea to bring a list of meds, vitamins, and supplements that you take. Some drug interactions and vitamin deficiencies can cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer's and such symptoms can be reversed.

 

You will probably be asked about the health of your parents. Alzheimer's Disease is not always inherited but it can be.

 

Exams and Tests

Besides a thorough medical history, your doctor will suggest some exams and tests. You may be referred to specialists for some of these. They could include a mental status testing, a thorough physical exam, and a neurological exam.

 

Other tests could include brain imaging and blood tests. These could be chosen to rule out other possible causes of memory loss.

 

What To Expect

Though each person is different, there are seven identifiable stages as the disease progresses. The first stage, known as "mild cognitive impairment" may hardly be noticeable. Often close friends and family notice this change before the affected person notices. This stage can last for months or even years.

 

So it's possible that your doctor may not be able to identify the changes that your loved ones have experienced in you. That's why tests are so important. Retesting over time can help identify symptoms. Those symptoms can be treated with medications that make living more normal and comfortable.

A Mayo Clinic doctor describes the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease in the video below.

In this video, Dr. Ronald Peterson says: "At the Mayo Clinic, we have the chance to observe former President Reagan's doctor evaluate two patients who struggle to understand the earliest signs of cognitive impairment. This film highlights the importance of distinguishing among the various dementias that can occur with aging."