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How is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?
Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the commonest forms of dementia. This degenerative disorder is progressive and may severely affect the functioning of the brain with time. That’s why it is important to correctly diagnose this disease in its initial stage so that, if someone is diagnosed with this disease, they can begin Alzheimer’s care at the earliest.
How Alzheimer’s care community catches this disease?
As per experts of dementia at the Alzheimer’s care community, a simple forgetfulness may turn out to be the onset of Alzheimer’s. However, it may not always be so. That’s the reason a proper diagnosis is necessary. Meanwhile, you must observe the following symptoms in an individual before you decide to take him/her for a diagnosis and enrollment for Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Athens:
- Difficulty in recalling events
- Increase in daily forgetfulness, such as people’s names, where they have placed their items, and so on
- Difficulty in problem-solving, planning, and concentrating
- Problem in doing daily normal tasks such as cooking, writing, or normal tasks at the workplace
- Confusion with the concept of time and location
- Trouble with vocabulary
- Social seclusion; as this grows, the individual may require special Alzheimer’s care in Suwanee GA
- Depression and a loss of interest in hobbies and everyday activities
- Changes in personality and behavior
- Changes in appearance due to lack of grooming
Alzheimer’s care and diagnosis
Doctors can diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease in various ways. Usually, they first evaluate the existing symptoms in an individual and then prescribe several tests. They may also interact with the individual’s family and friends to know more about his/her change in behavior and other observations. A severe deterioration in condition may lead to a need for special Alzheimer’s & dementia care in Athens.
Who diagnoses Alzheimer’s?
A neurologist, who specializes in brain and nerve functions, or a geriatrician, who specializes in treating elderly people, is the best person to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and advise whether the person needs special Alzheimer’s care. In addition to evaluating symptoms, the doctor would also ask about your medical history and medications you are taking, if any. All these and more helps the doctor conclude whether the individual needs Alzheimer’s assisted living facility.
Furthermore, the doctor may look out for any episode of past depression, strokes, sleep apnea, or any other medical condition, such as Parkinson’s Disease.
What other tests are required for Alzheimer’s care in Greensboro and correct diagnosis?
An individual displaying symptoms of Alzheimer’s may need to undergo detailed memory tests, brain imaging tests, and a series of other laboratory tests. This will help them decide whether they are in urgent need of Alzheimer’s care.
Apart from this, the doctor may ask the individual certain questions pertaining to brain power, cognitive function, brain-limb coordination, and others. He or she may give them particular tasks that help to analyze the level of mental power, problem-solving skills, memory, communication skills, analytical thinking, and other such skills of the individual. Accordingly, the doctor decides whether the person needs to be enrolled for Alzheimer’s care in Greensboro or any other location.
A brief on tests required for Alzheimer’s care and diagnosis
- Mental condition tests: This focuses on cognitive skills and memory power. It can determine the level of cognitive deterioration and how urgently the person needs Alzheimer’s assisted living
- Neuropsychological tests: A neuropsychologist conducts comprehensive tests related to the individual’s memory and cognitive power. This helps the doctor determine whether the individual has dementia. The tests will tell how efficient the person is in carrying out daily tasks, which includes taking their medication, managing their finances, driving, and others. If a person is unable to perform such tasks on their own, then they need Alzheimer’s care, according to doctors.
Interaction with individual’s friends and family: A discussion with the person’s friends and family can reveal at what stage the person is with regard to dementia. Accordingly, the family can begin to look for an appropriate Alzheimer’s care in Suwanee GA.
Lab tests for Alzheimer’s
Correct diagnosis of Alzheimer’s may also need a series of lab tests, for example, a thyroid test or a test for Vitamin B12. For certain people, the doctor may recommend cerebrospinal fluid test to measure tau and amyloid proteins, the ratio of which is important to know for correct diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. This test is particularly helpful for people showing rapid deterioration in their condition. They might need Alzheimer’s care in Greensboro soon.
Brain imaging tests and Alzheimer’s assisted living
Alzheimer’s happens due to loss of brain cells with time, say neurologists. This degeneration may happen in various ways and brain scans can show the way it is happening in a person. However, brain scans are not enough for an accurate diagnosis, as per experts at the facility for Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Athens.
In this case, brain imaging tests help by:
- Distinguishing age-related brain aging and brain degeneration
- Ruling out other factors like brain tumors, strokes, and heavy bleeding
- Setting a baseline with regard to the degree of degeneration, which helps to decide how urgently a person requires Alzheimer’s assisted living
Technologies used for brain imaging include:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that uses strong radio waves and magnetic energy to produce a detailed picture of the person’s brain.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) that uses X-rays to get a cross-sectional picture of the brain.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) that uses a tracer, which is a radioactive substance, to detect abnormality in the body. PET scans are of different types and the commonest one that doctors use is Flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scan. It detects the areas of the brain with reduced glucose metabolism. This can help to determine the various types of brain degenerative diseases.
Conclusion
Is there an Alzheimer’s facility near me? If this question is rummaging your mind, then worry not. Haven Memory Care is an exclusive community for Alzheimer’s & dementia care in Athens. The community warmly welcomes individuals who are suffering from neuro degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. The facility specializes in personalized care and superior service that matches the needs of individuals with dementia and their families. Schedule a tour today.
Our Process
1
Book your Appointment
Experience the warmth and care at Haven Memory Care firsthand by scheduling your personalized tour today.
2
schedule a Tour
Your tour guide will show you our amenities, living spaces, and care services, allowing you to explore our community firsthand.
3
Paperwork and Admission
After your decision, our admissions team will assist with necessary paperwork and address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Haven Memory Care is a dedicated memory care community serving NE Georgia, including the towns of Braselton and Greensboro. With a focus on individuals experiencing memory diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, Haven Memory Care provides a safe and supportive environment for residents.
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