While AD symptoms are usually not reversible, these symptoms are sometimes reversible with a doctor's care. In later stages of AD, the person will exhibit both memory loss and loss of ability to perform routine daily activities . But because normal aging may also cause a decline in the ability to remember names, places, and objects, as can strokes and heart disease, it is important to be examined by a doctor for a proper diagnosis . If you feel that you or someone close to you may have Alzheimer's disease, you may want to look at our Risk Assessment Tool. There are 2 types of AD familial AD, which is found in families and follows certain inheritance patterns, and sporadic AD, where no obvious pattern of inheritance exists.
Family history is a consistent risk factor.
People who have a relative with AD are more likely to develop the disease themselves. Therefore, doctors can diagnose AD only after they have excluded other possible causes of dementia . Your doctor may perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to rule out other causes of dementia. A detailed patient and family history will be taken. Some doctors may order brain scans to rule out strokes or tumors that could be causing symptoms of dementia.