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tpsbmam

(3,927 posts)
14. So sorry to hear about your dad
Mon Feb 27, 2012, 01:28 PM
Feb 2012

I know what it's like having dementia in those you love -- bucket of suck!

While it's true that Alzheimer's can't 100% definitively be diagnosed until one can dissect the brain, it's not true that it can't be diagnosed for treatment purposes.

Alzheimer's can be qualitatively differentiated from other types of dementia (e.g., multi-infarct dementia) through history, behavior and cognitive patterns ascertained through testing. And brain scans can accurately differentiate between types of dementia. As a matter of fact, MRI scan studies have accurately predicted which people with early cognitive problems will go on to develop Alzheimer's based on changes in certain brain areas. There are some specific patterns seen in Alzheimer's and MRI scans can pick up these changes in the hippocampus and other structures in the medial temporal lobe, for example -- these are very predictive of Alzheimer's.

Accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer's are made all the time -- it helps with treatment & planning. The worst case I was ever involved in was a young woman who, through testing (including neuropsychological testing), we diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's -- she had 3 wonderful sons who were young men at the time. Early onset is highly genetic. They broke my heart. But knowing that dementia is present can be enough for that treatment and planning since there's so much overlap.

My heart goes out to you with your dad. Dementia is about the whole family, not just the patient. I hope the two of you have good support around you!



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