There is not a single, comprehensive test for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. By ruling out other conditions through a process of elimination, physicians, or other specialists, can obtain a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease with approximately 90 percent accuracy. However, the only way to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is through autopsy.
Examination and evaluation are essential in determining whether the dementia is the result of a treatable illness. In addition to a complete medical history and extensive neurological motor and sensory exam, the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may include the following:
- mental status test
- neuropsychological testing
- blood tests
- lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- urinalysis
- chest x-ray
- electroencephalogram (EEG)
- CT scan
- ECG or EKG