Basket | Login | Register   How is it diagnosed?  Alzheimer's
disease   Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia but is not
necessarily caused by the same factors which cause other forms
of dementia. However, despite a considerable amount of research,
the actual cause of the disease remains unknown. There is no
single test to determine whether someone has Alzheimer's
disease. It is diagnosed by a process of elimination, as well as
a careful examination of a person's physical and mental state,
rather than by finding actual evidence of the disease.  A carer
or relative may be asked to provide information about the
person's behaviour, e.g. difficulties getting dressed, washing,
handling finances, keeping appointments, travelling alone,
managing at work and using household appliances. A
neuropsychological assessment is usually carried out. This
involves finding out about possible problems with memory,
language, planning and attention. A simple test called the Mini-
Mental State Examination is often used. This inv