Diagnosis | Brain atrophy

Diagnosis

Depending on the cause of the brain atrophy and whether it is acute or gradual, the patients or their relatives will recognize it sooner or later. In the case of a gradual onset, a doctor is often consulted late. The doctor carries out an own and a foreign anamnesis.

This means that he or she interviews the patient himself or herself and also the relatives. If there are any abnormalities, appropriate screening procedures are carried out to test cognitive, linguistic, neuropsychological and sensomotoric performance. This means that orientation, various memory, concentration and attention skills, as well as visual-spatial perception, reaction ability, coordination, speech motor skills and speech comprehension are tested.

In addition, mood swings and mood lows, personality changes and drive are recorded. If limitations are noticeable in any of the areas, they are examined more closely. It is also necessary to perform imaging procedures such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET).

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to visualize the different types of brain tissue. Mathematical calculations of the computer produce sectional images in which the different levels and layers of the brain are displayed. In addition, tumors and inflammations can be displayed.

However, bones are not easily recognizable. The unchanged images from the MRI are black and white. Whether areas appear darker or lighter depends on the hydrogen content of the respective brain tissue.

An even more differentiated image is obtained by injecting a contrast medium. The contrast medium has a lighter color and makes it possible to distinguish blood vessels from neighboring tissue. In addition, the contrast medium often collects in tumors and makes it possible to better visualize them and to determine their exact location and size.

Symptoms – what symptoms indicate brain atrophy?

Depending on the affected area of the brain, the symptoms can vary greatly. Often a reduction in drive and a change in personality with loss of interest and social withdrawal can be the first signs. In technical jargon this symptom is also called apathy.

In addition, psychological changes, which manifest themselves in mood swings, emotional instability, disinhibition and depression, can indicate brain atrophy. This bears the danger that a brain atrophy is wrongly interpreted “only” as depression and is therefore treated incorrectly. In addition, cognitive limitations can occur which are often not noticed by the patient himself or herself.

Depending on the existing level of education and intelligence, these limitations can be compensated for a long time. Cognitive limitations can turn out to be disorders. Furthermore, restricted speech production, motoric limitations and also a restricted olfactory ability can indicate a brain atrophy. In the case of pronounced brain atrophy, seizures and hallucinations may occur.

  • In the memory,
  • The problem solving behaviour,
  • The orientation,
  • Of attention,
  • The concentration,
  • The spatial-visual perception,
  • In thinking
  • And show in action.