Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder mainly characterized by memory decline, cognitive impairment, and behavioral abnormalities. Since its early symptoms resemble normal aging, accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely intervention and treatment. This article introduces the diagnostic methods and procedures for Alzheimer's disease.

Diagnostic Basis

1. Clinical symptom evaluation

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease usually begins with patient symptoms. Physicians will ask patients and their families about the following:

① Memory decline, especially short-term memory impairment

② Decline in language expression and comprehension

③ Loss of sense of direction, tendency to get lost

④ Decreased problem-solving and reasoning ability

⑤ Mood swings and personality changes

2. Cognitive function tests

Doctors use standardized cognitive tests to assess patients' cognitive abilities, including:

① Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): Evaluates memory, attention, calculation, language, and orientation.

② Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Suitable for early detection of mild cognitive impairment.

③ Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR): Assesses the severity of dementia in patients.

3. Laboratory tests

To rule out other diseases that may cause cognitive impairment, such as thyroid dysfunction, vitamin B12 deficiency, infection, or metabolic disorders, doctors may conduct the following laboratory tests:

① Blood tests (liver and kidney function, thyroid function, vitamin levels, etc.)

② Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests (measure levels of β-amyloid protein and Tau protein)

4. Imaging tests

Imaging tests help doctors observe brain structure changes to support the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

① Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Detects brain atrophy, especially in the hippocampal region.

② Positron emission tomography (PET): Detects β-amyloid and Tau protein deposition.

③ Computed tomography (CT): Used to rule out other conditions such as stroke or tumors.

5. Genetic testing

Although most Alzheimer's cases are sporadic, some genetic factors may increase the risk. For example, the APOE ε4 allele is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Genetic testing can be used in high-risk populations but is generally not a routine screening tool.

6. Diagnostic criteria

Currently, diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is mainly based on the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) criteria, divided into probable and confirmed Alzheimer's disease.

① Probable Alzheimer's disease: The patient shows typical cognitive decline without other diseases explaining the symptoms.

② Confirmed Alzheimer's disease: Requires clinical symptoms, imaging, and biomarker evidence.

7. Importance of early diagnosis

Alzheimer's disease is currently incurable, but early diagnosis can:

① Allow early interventions such as cognitive training and medication to slow progression.

② Help patients and families make advance care and financial planning.

③ Provide opportunities to participate in clinical trials and access emerging therapies.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center state that diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease requires a combination of methods, including clinical evaluation, cognitive tests, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Although there is currently no cure, early detection and intervention can improve quality of life and provide better support for patients and their families.