The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually done for people without any current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.
Screening Tests or Guidelines
There are several tests that doctors may use to screen for Alzheimer's disease . Examples include:
- Neurological exam—to test the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles) for evidence of other neurological disorders.
- Wechsler's Logical Memory and Visual Reproduction and Kendrick Object Learning Test—may be used if you have depressive symptoms.
- Seven-Minute Screen
- Mini-Mental State Exam
- Memory Impairment Screening
- Self-assessment cognitive test—This is a test that you take on your own to assess your memory.
Genetic testing is available, but it is not routinely used in most patients. It may be done in patients with a family history of early-onset Alzheimer's. Researchers are also studying whether specialized imaging tests would be helpful in screening for Alzheimer's disease. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluation via a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may play a role in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Reviewer: Rimas Lukas, MD
- Review Date: 09/2012 -
- Update Date: 00/91/2012 -