Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic Tests and Tools

Alzheimer's disease is named after Alois Alzheimerwho born in southern Germany in 1864. Dr. Alzheimer first described the disease in 1906 after performing an autopsy on the brain of one of his patients. Dr. Alzheimer found that the brain was virtually become a " sticky " porridge abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers.
Today, these plaques and tangles in the brain are considered signs of Alzheimer's disease . Dr. Alzheimer patient was treated for a mental disorder described as "madness" , but I realized that the patient's brain was literally destroyed.
One hundred years later , researchers and medical scientists have not yet determined the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease . Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disease that destroys a person's memory and ultimately affects the ability of the person to learn, reason, make judgments , communicate and carry out basic daily activities .
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia . Dementia describes a group of diseases that gradually destroy brain cells and lead to a progressive deterioration of mental functions.
People in the target age group, they begin to feel that something may be wrong with your memory should immediately consult your family doctor. There are tests and diagnostic tools neurologist can use to determine if a person has Alzheimer's disease .
If the doctor determines that any dementia, a referral to a neurologist or geriatric specialist can provide. Since there are several types of dementia , a specialist may be needed to rule out other types of dementia take a decision Alzheimer's disease .
Some diagnostic tests given to patients to diagnose Alzheimer's disease include:
1 ) A test clock . - The patient is asked to draw a clock and put the numbers in their place. The patient is then instructed to remove certain hours on the clock, either 3:00 or 11:15 .
2) Review Mini- Mental - The MMSE is a brief test to measure cognitive status in adults. Part of the evidence asks the patient a series of questions that are considered part of their environment. For example , the patient may be asked to appoint three household items that are in the room . The responses of patients continued questions.
Then , the examiner may again ask the patient to name the original element of the household 3 . Sometimes the patient is asked to count backwards . The person is asked to appoint three new items .. The test is designed to detect cognitive impairment and estimating the severity of his mental disability.
3) performance test development assessment stage (FAST ) - consists of a list of functions necessary for everyday life. The test assesses the changes in functional performance.
The test person has a list of activities necessary and "mark" yes " if an element is present. If the problems are due to other causes other than dementia ( arthritis, paralysis or other disabilities , this is indicated ) check the "No" critical and consider these other causes beside the function.
Factors of information are evaluated and weighed. The information obtained from these tests help determine whether a person has Alzheimer's disease with an accuracy of 90 percent.
It is important for seniors to get tested when they show signs of dementia people. The first tests to identify the problem and can eliminate Alzheimer's disease as a cause of memory leaks. Some medications can cause similar symptoms.

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