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Tests:
Genetic Testing: There are certain genes researchers have found that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. There is a blood test that identifies the APOE-e4 gene, "the strongest risk gene". Testing for the "autosomomal dominant Alzheimer's Disease (ADAD)" genes is also available. It is also known as "familial Alzheimer's", but only causes 1% of chances.
Neurological Exam: Sensation, eye movement, speech, reflexes, coordination, muscle tone, and movement are things examined by the physician during this test. The physician will also examine the individual for signs signaling other brain disorders, not only Alzheimer's Disease.
Mental Status Test: A mental status test helps determine whether an individual is experimenting symptoms. It tests the ability to remember, and the ability to work out simple problems. It tests basic thinking skills.
Brain Imaging: Brain imaging includes MRI's and CT scans. These allow doctors to rule out other diseases that many have the same symptoms as Alzheimer's Disease. These can also help track the process of Alzheimer's Disease, and allow for better diagnosis.
Alzheimer's Association. (n.d.) Tests for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_steps_to_diagnosis.asp
Genetic Testing: There are certain genes researchers have found that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. There is a blood test that identifies the APOE-e4 gene, "the strongest risk gene". Testing for the "autosomomal dominant Alzheimer's Disease (ADAD)" genes is also available. It is also known as "familial Alzheimer's", but only causes 1% of chances.
Neurological Exam: Sensation, eye movement, speech, reflexes, coordination, muscle tone, and movement are things examined by the physician during this test. The physician will also examine the individual for signs signaling other brain disorders, not only Alzheimer's Disease.
Mental Status Test: A mental status test helps determine whether an individual is experimenting symptoms. It tests the ability to remember, and the ability to work out simple problems. It tests basic thinking skills.
Brain Imaging: Brain imaging includes MRI's and CT scans. These allow doctors to rule out other diseases that many have the same symptoms as Alzheimer's Disease. These can also help track the process of Alzheimer's Disease, and allow for better diagnosis.
Alzheimer's Association. (n.d.) Tests for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_steps_to_diagnosis.asp
Treatments:
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's Disease. There is medication that can help with symptoms.
Memory Loss Medications: These help prevent the break down of acetylcholine. This is an essential chemical for the memory. They do contain side effects, but help slow down symptoms.
Sleep change treatment: Sleep pattern changes tend to occur in those with Alzheimer's Disease. These changes result from impact on the brain. Medication can help get sleep patterns back under control.
Behavioral Treatment: Deterioration of the brain can result in behavior changes. It can cause individuals to be irritable, depressed, anxious, aggressive, angry, and delirious. Medications can help control these behavioral changes. Along with medication, there are other techniques to help deal with this such as meditating.
Alzheimer's Association. (n.d.) Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_treatments.asp
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's Disease. There is medication that can help with symptoms.
Memory Loss Medications: These help prevent the break down of acetylcholine. This is an essential chemical for the memory. They do contain side effects, but help slow down symptoms.
Sleep change treatment: Sleep pattern changes tend to occur in those with Alzheimer's Disease. These changes result from impact on the brain. Medication can help get sleep patterns back under control.
Behavioral Treatment: Deterioration of the brain can result in behavior changes. It can cause individuals to be irritable, depressed, anxious, aggressive, angry, and delirious. Medications can help control these behavioral changes. Along with medication, there are other techniques to help deal with this such as meditating.
Alzheimer's Association. (n.d.) Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_treatments.asp