Your doctor may recommend a cerebrospinal fluid examination to help with the diagnosis. Amyloid and tau proteins can be measured in the cerebrospinal fluid. The ratio of these proteins can help determine whether Alzheimer's is present.

People with dementia can live meaningful and productive lives for many years after an early diagnosis. An early diagnosis helps both the person and caregivers learn about dementia, set realistic expectations and plan for their future together. Download our information sheet on the Benefits of an early diagnosis.

More than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's. An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2023. Seventy-three percent are age 75 or older. About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (10.7%) has Alzheimer's.

A standard medical workup for Alzheimer's disease often includes structural imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).

7 Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

• Stage 1: Normal Outward Behavior.
• Stage 2: Very Mild Changes.
• Stage 3: Mild Decline.
• Stage 4: Moderate Decline.
• Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline.
• Stage 6: Severe Decline.
• Stage 7: Very Severe Decline.

An early diagnosis opens the door to future care and treatment. It helps people to plan ahead while they are still able to make important decisions on their care and support needs and on financial and legal matters.

Early detection and treatment can lead to better treatment outcomes, as the disease may be in its initial stages, making it more responsive to treatment. Early detection and treatment can also prevent the disease from progressing, reducing the risk of complications and improving long-term health.

For most people with Alzheimer's - those who have the late-onset variety - symptoms first appear in their mid-60s or later. When the disease develops before age 65, it's considered early-onset Alzheimer's, which can begin as early as a person's 30s, although this is rare.

Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's, as it is for most types of dementia. This means that a person is more likely to get Alzheimer's as they get older. Above the age of 65, a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's doubles about every five years.

Brain imaging A standard medical workup for Alzheimer's disease often includes structural imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). These tests are primarily used to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer's but require different treatment.

To diagnose Alzheimer's dementia, doctors conduct tests to assess memory impairment and other thinking skills, judge functional abilities, and identify behavior changes. They also perform a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of impairment. Alzheimer's dementia can be diagnosed in several different ways.

For most people with Alzheimer's - those who have the late-onset variety - symptoms first appear in their mid-60s or later. When the disease develops before age 65, it's considered early-onset Alzheimer's, which can begin as early as a person's 30s, although this is rare.