Alzheimer’s Test – Is It Necessary?

Alzheimer’s Test – Is it Beneficial?

Many doctors are now debating whether the Alzheimer’s test is necessary for patients experiencing symptoms. Some doctor’s argue that the test does nothing but bring about anxiety and depression in patients found to have Alzheimer’s disease. However, other doctor’s state that early diagnosis allows for treatment even though there are no know cures for the disease. Consider the following benefits if you are considering an Alzheimer’s test for yourself or a member of your family.

There is actually no single test you can take to have Alzheimer’s diagnosed. Instead you must undergo a battery of tests performed by several types of doctors. Your primary doctor should review your medical history thoroughly to see if there are changes in behavior or complications. If the doctor sees a sign that you may have Alzheimer’s they will send you to a psychologist, or therapist, for mental diagnosis. In most cases doctors need a sign such as memory loss or confusion before the will recommend testing. You may also undergo a neurological exam to scan your brain for other possible causes. The doctor will want to rule out blood clots or tumors as the source of the problems.

Alzheimer’s Test – What Are the Other Causes?

Memory loss and confusion are not always caused by Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are many medical conditions that can affect mental cognition. Depression, vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems, or drug side effects can cause these problems. This is why your doctor will want to complete a full medical workup and Alzheimer’s test to look for medical problems other than these diseases. In fact, for some people memory loss is a natural thing, as we age our mind sometimes simply finds it harder to remember events or places.

Alzheimer’s Test – Importance of getting an Early Diagnosis

While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease there are benefits to obtaining an early diagnosis. For those with a positive result there are many things that can be done to ensure that your future is better. You can plan how your estate will be handled. Choose the type of care you will receive and choose the people who will care for you. You can also choose how your money is spent and select a lawyer to put everything into writing. By delegating the things you want early you can be sure that you will be comfortable later on.

As you can see there are many reasons to debate whether the Alzheimer’s test is helpful or not. Many people think they would rather go on living without the burden of knowing their mind is shutting down. However, other professionals believe that it is best to get one’s affairs in order while there is still time. Early diagnosis allows you time to cherish those around you and spend time with the people you love while you are still well. Many doctors believe this makes the process much easier for both the patient and the family of the patient. However, in the end it is your decision as to whether or not you will take the Alzheimer’s test.