Testing for Alzheimer's Disease

If you think that you or a loved is showing signs of Alzheimer's or dementia, it is important that you seek medical advice. The cause of these diseases is still relatively unknown, so it is very important that you treat this carefully and with a great degree of precaution. First, you should go to your primary care physician and discuss your situation. They will be able to put you in touch with a good neurologist who can give you more information. The neurologist will be able to test you and let you know for certain if you have Alzheimer's.

A memory test will give you some preliminary information on your condition. This will give you insight on different aspects of your memory through word associations and other small memory tests. These tests will be repeated throughout your treatment to let the neurologist know exactly how fast you are progressing through the process of the disease. It's important to remember that not all memory loss is dementia related. Stress can lead to poor memory and "senior moments." These do not necessarily imply that you have Alzheimer's. Hormone changes, thyroid problems, and low blood sugar can all be culprits for your fuzzy thinking. Still, if you have any doubt or suspicion in your mind, it is vital that you get yourself checked out.

If your memory loss is not dementia related, there is a very good chance that it can be fixed. When stress levels subside, or you get treatment for a different medical problem, your memory is very likely to return to normal. A slight amount of memory loss or slower thought processes is normal as we age, but if you are still having doubts about your medical condition, there is absolutely no harm in getting checked out. Precaution will never hurt anyone

Alzheimer's is not just a disease of the memory. It affects your emotions too. Bizarre or unexpected emotional changes can be a clear warning sign of Alzheimer's. By being able to spot these in yourself or your loved one, you can spot the disease much earlier in its progression and begin treatments sooner.

If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, there is no need to despair. The treatment of Alzheimer's can go far beyond just the cocktail of medications that doctors are asked to choose from. Exercising the mind can be a big help in slowing the disease's progression. Play memory games and puzzles that tax your brain. The more strenuous the activity, the better your resistance to the disease will be. Also, remember that exercise of the body is a good way to stave off the disease. Going for a walk every day can help both your body and your brain.

Matthew G. Young is a freelance writer who specializes in financial, sports, and health-related topics. To learn more about in home health care visit Paradise In Home Care.


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