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How is a Diagnosis Made?

There is no single test that can tell if a person has a serious memory problem. A diagnosis is made through a complete assessment that considers all possible causes.

If the evaluation does not indicate Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness, but the symptoms continue to get worse over time, your doctor may need to order more tests. If you are still not satisfied, you may want to get a second opinion from a specialist (e.g. neurologist).

A diagnosis of ‘probable Alzheimer’s disease is accurate 80%-90% of the time.


Your doctor should:
  • Explain the diagnosis, let you know what to expect in the future, and tell you where to get more information and help.

  • Tell you about the possible treatments. Together, you can select what’s best for the patient.

  • Schedule your next visit and let you know how often he/she would like to see you before you leave.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness is the first step in mapping out the treatment and care for the patient. For some, having an explanation of the symptoms brings a sense of sadness, but relief. A proper diagnosis offers a chance to get help and plan for the future. Forming a partnership with your doctor can help, and you can start by understanding the disease and its treatment.

California law requires that doctors, under certain conditions, report this type of diagnosis to the County Health Department. It will then be forwarded to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Once received, the DMV may suspend the patient’s driver’s license until a driving test is passed.



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