Alzheimer’s dementia is still not curable. Nevertheless, a diagnosis should be made as early as possible – in this way, the course of the disease can often be positively influenced and slowed down. The suspicion based on the medical history can be confirmed by means of various examinations; at the same time, other physical causes can be ruled out.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Common investigations include blood tests and examinations of heart and lung function. Imaging techniques used are primarily magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, and more recently possibly single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). +
An important component is the examination of mental performance by means of various neuropsychological tests (for example, Mini-Mental-Status-Test). In this process, the patient must:
- Answer questions
- Calculate
- Draw
- Remember words
- Follow simple instructions
This test is also suitable to assess the progression of Alzheimer’s dementia.
Alzheimer’s therapy goals
The goal of treatment is to allow those affected to live an independent life for as long as possible and to delay the progression of dementia. Behavioral, memory and self-preservation training, for example, as well as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, depending on the symptoms, serve this purpose.
It is important to tailor the demands of everyday life precisely to the person affected – too high demands harbor potential for aggression and frustration, too low accelerate the disease process. A familiar environment, a daily routine with regular fixed points for orientation and offers as training stimuli as well as emotional communication are important supports for the person affected. However, it is also important to support family caregivers, for example through self-help groups and mobile care services, in order to protect them from physical and emotional exhaustion.
A number of chemical substances (cholinesterase inhibitors; memantine) are available as medications that can improve brain performance – at least for a few weeks and months – and in some cases also have a positive effect on mood. The efficacy of herbal preparations such as ginkgo extract has been evaluated differently in scientific studies.
