Being Patient’s Guide to Diagnosing Alzheimer’s

One in five people who see a doctor with cognitive concerns are misdiagnosed. Understanding the intricacies of the diagnostic process is essential.

Dementia, in all its many forms — including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body, FTD and more — is difficult to correctly diagnose. Misdiagnoses are common, and millions of people living with dementia that’s going undiagnosed altogether.

Early, accurate diagnosis opens up a world of options when it comes to better care, and even access to treatments that could slow the course of their disease.

Here, we explore how dementia diagnosis happens. And, we share expert insights on what patients and primary care doctors can each do to make sure people living with dementia are getting timely, accurate diagnosis — and in turn, appropriate care.

One in five people who see a doctor with cognitive concerns are misdiagnosed. Understanding the intricacies of the diagnostic process is essential.

Dementia, in all its many forms — including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body, FTD and more — is difficult to correctly diagnose. Misdiagnoses are common, and millions of people living with dementia that’s going undiagnosed altogether.

Early, accurate diagnosis opens up a world of options when it comes to better care, and even access to treatments that could slow the course of their disease.

Here, we explore how dementia diagnosis happens. And, we share expert insights on what patients and primary care doctors can each do to make sure people living with dementia are getting timely, accurate diagnosis — and in turn, appropriate care.

What you’ll learn

This guide covers the different approaches to diagnosing Alzheimer’s, and you will learn:

  • Cognitive testing and their limitations
  • Current and upcoming diagnostic methods such as brain scans, blood tests, and emerging technologies
  • Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s
  • Common reasons behind misdiagnosis