Approximately 4 million people in the U.S. have this disease. Women are slightly more likely than men to get Alzheimer's. Sometimes patients with other problems, such as depression, which is treatable, are misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's, which is untreatable. If someone you care about has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, get as much information as possible about the reasons for the diagnosis. At the present time, Alzheimer's disease cannot be diagnosed by any tests.
Healthcare providers diagnose it based on the patient's symptoms and history.
You may also want to get a second opinion from another doctor or one that specializes in care of older adults. The signs of Alzheimer's include forgetfulness, memory loss, and problems in attention and concentration. You may notice a change in someone's handwriting or in his or her personality. All of these can be signs of Alzheimer's but they can all be signs of other problems as well. A healthcare provider should evaluate the patient before it is assumed that he or she has Alzheimer's.