I'm wondering if an MRI is generally recommended prior to definitively diagnosing Alzheimers. My husband has had CT scans but never an MRI. I have requested one and now I'm wondering if it can tell me anything I don't already know.
I would welcome your thoughts on this.

It is my understanding that the only way alzheimers can be correctly diagnosed is thru an autopsy after death. Up to that point it kind of falls under the dimentia umbrella.

Traude,

It sounds like you suspect that your husband may have Alzheimer’s disease and want to know the diagnostic process of Alzheimer’s disease. In regards to your question about an MRI; it is generally, more sophisticated and detailed from CAT Scanning. MRI is best put to use in examining the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). It can also be used to identify tumors, strokes, degenerative diseases, inflammation, infection, and other abnormalities in organs and other soft tissue of the body. CAT scans gives information on anatomical features and tissue density, which allows for detection of tumors, and sometimes the ability to distinguish between malignant and benign tumors.

A comprehensive evaluation is needed in order to establish a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease. A skilled physician can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with 90 percent accuracy. The following are steps that a physician will conduct in order to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease:

• Medical history which collects information about current mental or physical conditions, prescription and non prescription drug use, and family history
• Mental status evaluation to assess sense of time and place; ability to remember, understand, and communicate; and ability to do simple math problems.
• A series of evaluations that test memory, reasoning, vision-motor coordination, and language skills.
• A physical examination, which includes the evaluation of the person’s nutritional status, blood pressure, and pulse.
• An examination that test sensation, balance and other functions of the nervous system.
• A brain scan to detect other causes of dementia such as stroke.
• Laboratory test, such as blood and urine tests, to provide additional information about problems other than Alzheimer’s that may be causing dementia.
• A psychiatric evaluation, which provides an assessment of mood and other emotional factors that could cause dementia-like symptoms or may accompany Alzheimer’s disease.
Interviews with a spouse, partner or close family member or friend of the person suspects of dementia-the doctor may want to talk with someone close to the person suspects of dementia to gather additional information about symptoms. The person with the disease may not realize he/she is exhibiting symptoms. These interviews will provide further documentation that will help in a diagnosis.

It’s obvious that you are concerned about your husband and want to be prepared to ask questions when you visit your husband’s doctor. I hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions please write to us again or call our 24hour helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Sincerely,

Thank you so much for your very comprehensive answer to my question. I have to apologize because I should have mentioned that we already have a diagnosis of Alzheimer disease and my husband is on meds as well as participating in a drug trial. The only diagnistic tools that were not used were the psychiatric evaluation and MRI. The latter is now being arranged as I just want to make sure that we are not missing something. Thank you again.