A differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease from other forms of age or disease related dimentia is often difficult. Evidence of atrophy in nueroimaging scans may be indicative of the condition, but serial scans are usually required to confirm diagnosis. Specialized cognitive function tests carried out by qualified personnel should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Thyroid function tests and a thorough biochemical workup should be performed on patient's suspected of having Alzheimer's Disease, to rule out the possibility of other conditions which may present similar symptoms. There is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease.
Clinicians direct treatment toward containing the symptoms.
Tacrine is the only FDA approved agent for treating Alzheimer's. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor which slightly improves memory function in some people but is associated with adverse effects including elevated liver function tests and nausia. High dose thiamine also has been studied to relieve Alzheimer's symptoms. The advantage of thiamine over tarcine is cost and lack of adverse effects, however, it is less effective. Tenazepam is recommended to treat Alzheimer's associated insomnia as it is a sedative which lacks anticholinergic effects.