Diagnosis

At the early stages of the disease, a clinical examination may often appear normal, and specific investigations are needed. Some of these aim to establish a differential diagnosis, in other words, to ensure that the symptoms are not caused by another condition.

It is therefore recommended to seek advice from a specialist service, such as a memory clinic or a neurology, geriatric medicine or, in some cases, psychiatry department.

The diagnosis is established using a range of assessment tools, including a clinical assessment, neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive functions, and brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain scans. Where necessary, the analysis of proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid may also be carried out.

Neuropsychological assessments should be conducted by a neuropsychologist. They involve a series of tests consisting of questions or simple tasks designed to evaluate cognitive abilities. These assessments can help identify cognitive difficulties at an early stage and provide an indication of their severity.

The earlier the diagnosis is made, the sooner the person can access appropriate care and support. A diagnosis should be followed by a personalised plan addressing the person’s medical, psychological and social needs.

Who Raises the Alarm?

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease often arises in a particular context. Family members and close friends may be among the first to notice changes in a person’s behaviour. Unlike in many other medical consultations, the person experiencing symptoms is not always the one who decides to seek an assessment to investigate the cause of their memory problems. More often, someone close to them, particularly their spouse, takes the initiative to arrange a consultation.