What are the tests for alzheimer's disease?

Pt. history/MMSE.: A thorough history, information from relatives, and clinical observation especially in the form of a mini mental status exam (mmse) for dementia. Alzheimer's is a diagnosis of exclusion, and so other diseases, and drug effects must be ruled out. Imaging and biomarkers, like low glutamate help confirm the diagnosis, but the most definitive test is post mortem microscopic exam of brain tissue.

PET scans, Amyvid: There is an fda-approved test which can identify amyloid plaques in the brain associated with alzheimers, even in preclinical stages. A radioactive substance, amyvid, is injected and the brain is scanned using pet (positron emission tomography). However, it costs about $4000 and is not covered by medicare or most insurance companies.

Amyvid....: Amyvid scan is helpful for ruling out alzheimer's disease. Therefore a negative scan is helpful. If the scan is positive, this does not necessarily mean you have alzheimer's disease. Beta amyloid plaques can be found in many types of dementia.

The tests for Alzheimer's disease include:: Basic metabolic panel, Cerebrospinal fluid, Cognitive testing, CT scan, EEG, Genetic testing, HIV test, Thyroid stimulating hormone, Urine drug screen, Vitamin B12, VDRL, MRI of brain, Neuropsychological testing, Fluorodeoxyglucose PET scan.