Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis, Treatment & Cost
PACE Hospitals offers comprehensive
Alzheimer’s Disease treatment in Hyderabad, India, delivering personalized care for patients diagnosed with progressive memory and cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. Our multidisciplinary neurology team provides accurate Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis using detailed clinical evaluation, cognitive assessments, advanced neuroimaging, and laboratory investigations to determine the stage and guide the most effective Alzheimer’s disease management plan.
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Advanced Diagnostic Facilities: Cognitive Assessment, Neuropsychological Testing, MRI Brain, CT Scan & Laboratory Evaluation for Reversible Causes
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Personalized Alzheimer’s Care with Medication Management, Cognitive Therapy, Counseling and Caregiver Guidance
Long-Term Alzheimer’s Treatment with Insurance & Cashless Options
Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
There is no single test that confirms Alzheimer's disease. Careful assessment can help in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. Generally, the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is the same as the diagnosis of other types of dementia. Besides clinical and specific laboratory and imaging tests, only histologic evaluation of brain tissue can confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Neurology specialists consider the following before selecting the appropriate Alzheimer’s diagnostic tests:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
Medical history
Medical history plays a major role in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. It includes collecting detailed information about the onset and progression of memory problems, daily functioning, behavioural changes, and relevant medical or family history, which helps in distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from other causes of cognitive decline. A neurologist or neuropsychologist may ask the following questions:
- When did memory or thinking problems first begin, and have they worsened over time?
- Is there any difficulty in remembering recent events, conversations, or appointments?
- Have there been problems with daily activities, such as managing money, taking medications, or household tasks?
- Are there any changes in mood, behaviour, personality, or social interaction?
- Has the patient experienced confusion, disorientation, or getting lost in familiar places?
- Is there a history of neurological conditions such as stroke, head injury, or seizures?
- Is there a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia?
Physical examination
In the assessment of Alzheimer's disease, the physical examination focuses mainly on identifying conditions that may affect cognition and on evaluating general health. Vital signs, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and indicators of systemic illness, such as infections or metabolic problems, are all checked. Additionally, doctors search for chronic diseases that may worsen memory issues, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies. These results aid in the diagnostic process by ruling out other medical causes of cognitive decline.
Diagnostic evaluation of Alzheimer's disease
Based on the above information, a neurologist advises the diagnostic tests to detect Alzheimer’s disease. The following are the tests that might be recommended to diagnose Alzheimer’s:
- Cognitive and Neurological Assessment
- Cognitive and neurological tests
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Lab investigations
- Blood tests
- PrecivityAD2
- Lumipulse
- Other common blood tests
- Lumbar puncture
- Imaging tests
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Genetic tests
- Vascular tests
- Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)
- Computed tomography angiogram (CTA)
- Brain test
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Cardiac tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiography
- Ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring
Cognitive and Neurological Assessment
- Cognitive and neurological tests: Cognitive and neurological testing is used to assess memory, thinking skills, and general nervous system function. Memory, attention, language, and orientation are evaluated using cognitive tests like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Mini-Cog, and General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG). Reflexes, muscle strength, coordination (finger-to-nose, heel-to-shin), gait and balance, and cranial nerve function are all tested during a neurological examination.
- Psychiatric evaluation:
Identification of mood, behavioural, and psychological symptoms that may mimic or worsen cognitive decline is aided by psychiatric evaluation in Alzheimer's disease assessment. It evaluates disorders that are prevalent in older adults and can impair memory and thought processes, including depression, anxiety, apathy, agitation, and psychosis. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) are frequently utilised instruments. These tests aid in differentiating between primary psychiatric disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
Lab investigations
Blood tests
- PrecivityAD2: Brain abnormalities related to Alzheimer's, especially amyloid pathology, are detected in people with cognitive symptoms using blood-based tests like PrecivityAD2. Without depending on invasive spinal fluid tests or expensive PET scans, these tests help clinicians confirm or rule out Alzheimer's disease. They are not used as stand-alone diagnostic instruments or treatments, but rather as diagnostic aids.
- Lumipulse: The FDA-approved Lumipulse blood test (Lumipulse G pTau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio) is used to identify amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease in adults aged 55 or older with cognitive symptoms. It functions as a less invasive and more accessible diagnostic option than PET scans and spinal fluid tests by measuring the blood levels of two Alzheimer 's-related proteins and calculating their ratio. It must be interpreted together with other clinical findings, however, as it is not a stand-alone diagnostic test.
- Other common blood tests:
Blood tests are used to rule out medical conditions that may cause or worsen memory and thinking problems in Alzheimer's. Complete blood counts (CBCs), blood sugar, thyroid function tests, vitamin B12 levels, electrolytes, kidney function tests and liver function tests are the common blood tests. These help in detecting infections, anaemia, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid conditions.
Lumbar puncture
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which includes proteins like tau and amyloid-β that reflect Alzheimer's pathology, is collected by lumbar puncture (spinal tap). By identifying decreased Aβ42 and increased tau levels, which correlate with Alzheimer’s pathology, analysis of these CSF biomarkers can support a biological diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. When clinical symptoms are unclear or early in the course of the illness, this approach improves diagnostic accuracy. In the assessment of Alzheimer's disease, lumbar puncture CSF biomarker profiles are thought to be helpful in addition to clinical evaluation and imaging.
Imaging tests
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: CT imaging of the head uses specialised X-ray machines and computers to produce detailed images of the brain. It is often performed to detect structural changes and rule out other causes of cognitive symptoms. CT scans can help find conditions that are similar to dementia, like brain tumours, strokes, bleeding, or fluid buildup. CT scans are unable to demonstrate Alzheimer's disease, but they are very helpful in identifying other brain disorders that can be treated.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) makes detailed pictures of the brain and other soft tissues using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. It can find changes in the brain that are connected with mild cognitive impairment and help find people who are at greater risk of getting Alzheimer's disease. MRI results might look normal in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. MRI scans often show that the brain is getting smaller in the later stages, especially in the parietal and temporal lobes.
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): The functional brain imaging test called Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) determines blood flow and activity in various brain regions. It has been studied in Alzheimer’s disease to identify areas with reduced brain activity. SPECT can aid in research and clinical evaluation by illuminating the functional brain alterations linked to Alzheimer's and other dementias, even though it is not commonly used for standard diagnosis.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan:
Small amounts of radioactive tracers are used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET), a functional brain imaging technique, to measure levels of specific molecules or metabolic activity in various brain regions. For instance, abnormal deposits of the protein beta-amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, are detected by amyloid PET scans. When combined with other clinical findings, a positive scan may support the diagnosis. Another important aspect of Alzheimer's pathology, abnormal tau protein accumulation, can be seen with tau PET scans. By revealing distinctive patterns of protein deposition and metabolic alterations in the brain, PET imaging helps differentiate Alzheimer’s disease from other dementias.
Genetic tests
In clinical practice, most people's Alzheimer's disease cannot be diagnosed or predicted through genetic testing. In select cases—such as individuals with early symptoms and a strong family history—a doctor may test for rare gene mutations, such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, that cause early-onset Alzheimer's. Although testing for the APOE gene is available, it is primarily used in research settings and cannot definitively predict who will develop the disease.
Vascular tests
- Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA): Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is not a standard diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease. People with memory problems undergo Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) during a brain MRI to examine the blood vessels that supply the brain. It helps doctors find narrowed or blocked blood vessels that may reduce blood flow to the brain and make Alzheimer's symptoms worse, especially when Alzheimer's has been associated with vascular dementia.
- Computed tomography angiogram (CTA):
In patients with cognitive impairment, CT angiography (CTA) is used to visualise blood vessels in the brain and neck and to detect conditions such as aneurysms, arterial narrowing, or occlusions. Although CTA does not directly diagnose Alzheimer's disease, it can identify vascular disorders that may worsen or cause dementia symptoms, particularly in cases of mixed Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Brain test
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Since changes in EEG patterns frequently correlate with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, EEG, a non-invasive technique that records electrical brain activity, has been widely used in Alzheimer's research to help differentiate dementia types and monitor disease progression. However, because early Alzheimer’s changes might not be apparent in routine EEG recordings, EEG is not currently a stand-alone diagnostic test for Alzheimer's in clinical practice.
Cardiac tests
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) evaluates the heart's electrical activity. It is not a test for Alzheimer's disease, but it is frequently performed on people with dementia to check their cardiac rhythm and rule out heart problems that might cause cognitive symptoms to worsen (for example, atrial fibrillation leading to stroke). Using an ECG to find and treat heart problems can help lower the risk factors for vascular disease that may render Alzheimer's or mixed dementia worse.
Echocardiography
This large population-based study did not find a strong or consistent correlation between echocardiographic findings and Alzheimer's disease, even though echocardiography has been evaluated in dementia research to study heart structure and function. The findings suggest that echocardiography is not helpful in diagnosing Alzheimer's, though it may help assess co-existing cardiac conditions that influence overall brain health.
Ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitoring
To identify intermittent arrhythmias like silent atrial fibrillation, which is more prevalent in older adults and is related to an increased risk of cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer's, continuous ambulatory ECG (such as 24-hour Holter monitoring) enables prolonged recording of the heart rhythm. To provide comprehensive dementia care, extended rhythm monitoring can assist in identifying cardiovascular factors that contribute to cognitive decline and stroke risk.
Alzheimer's disease stages
Alzheimer's disease is a slowly progressive condition that affects memory, behaviour, thinking and the ability to perform daily activities. As the condition advances, symptoms worsen over time, leading to increasing dependence on caregivers. The following are the 3 stages of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (mild)
- Middle-stage Alzheimer's (moderate)
- Late-stage Alzheimer's (severe)
Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (mild)
Early on, a person can typically live on their own and carry out everyday tasks such as driving, working, and interacting with others. Minor memory mistakes may occur, such as forgetting names, familiar words, or the locations of everyday items. Planning, organising, and word-finding challenges are common, but only close friends or family may notice symptoms.
Middle-stage Alzheimer's (moderate)
Middle-stage Alzheimer's disease usually has the longest phase and may progress for several years. Confusion and memory loss become more apparent during this stage, and individuals often depend on everyday tasks such as showering, dressing and maintaining daily routines. The person may experience wandering, sleep disturbances, and behavioural and personality changes, but they can still engage in activities with appropriate assistance.
Late-stage Alzheimer's (severe)
People with severe late-stage Alzheimer's disease experience significant cognitive and physical impairments, making it difficult for them to react to their environment or communicate effectively. Most people need assistance at all times for personal care, and memory, awareness, and mobility are severely impaired. Comfort-focused and supportive care is crucial because swallowing difficulties, mobility issues, and an elevated risk of infections are common.
✅Differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
When a patient presents with progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, clinicians must rule out other conditions that can mimic or overlap with Alzheimer's disease. A careful diagnosis helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Differential diagnosis includes the following:
- Pseudodementia (depression-related cognitive impairment)
- Lewy body dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
- Pseudodementia (depression-related cognitive impairment): Differentiating Alzheimer's disease from depressive pseudodementia (cognitive impairment due to depression) can be challenging because both can present with memory and cognitive deficits. In this study, hippocampal volume differences and neurocognitive test performance helped differentiate between depression-related cognitive changes, which lacked hippocampal atrophy and showed distinct test patterns, and true Alzheimer's dementia, which had hippocampal atrophy and lower test scores.
- Lewy body dementia: Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia can appear similar clinically, but they have different neuropsychological profiles and biomarkers. Clinicians can distinguish between Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease when diagnosing dementia because patients with Lewy body dementia typically have worse attention, visuospatial, and executive function, but comparatively better memory.
- Vascular dementia:
Unlike Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia is not primarily caused by tau or amyloid pathology but rather by cerebrovascular diseases such as strokes or chronic small-vessel ischemia. While Alzheimer's disease usually manifests as gradual, progressive memory loss, cognitive symptoms in vascular dementia frequently exhibit a stepwise or sudden worsening and are accompanied by focal neurological signs.
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD):
The early onset of personality, behavioural, or cognitive changes in frontotemporal dementia differentiates it from Alzheimer's disease, with memory frequently remaining largely unaffected in the early stages. On the other hand, FTD exhibits frontal and temporal lobe degeneration on imaging instead of predominant hippocampal atrophy, whereas Alzheimer's disease usually starts with progressive episodic memory loss.
✅Goals of Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease
The goals of treatment in Alzheimer's disease focus on slowing disease progression and optimising patient and caregiver well-being. The following are the aims to preserve function, manage symptoms, and maintain quality of life for as long as possible:
- Preserve existing cognitive abilities and daily functioning
- Slow the progression of cognitive, functional, and behavioural decline
- Reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms such as agitation and depression
- Maintain the best possible quality of life for the patient
- Support caregivers and reduce caregiver burden
- Ensure patient safety and manage associated medical conditions
- Delay institutionalisation (nursing home admission) and promote independence where feasible
Get Medical Second Opinion for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment for Better Clarification
At PACE Hospitals, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care, and that includes offering second medical opinions with super specialists for treatment or surgery. We recommend everyone to get an expert advance medical second opinion, before taking decision for your treatment or surgery.
Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
Treatment for Alzheimer's disease focuses on slowing symptom progression, managing behavioural changes, and improving quality of life, as there is currently no cure. The Alzheimer’s treatment includes:
- Non-pharmacological treatment
- Pharmacological treatment
Non-pharmacological treatment
Non-pharmacological management of Alzheimer's disease plays an important role by focusing on improving quality of life and reducing behavioural symptoms without any medications. These approaches support cognitive function, caregiver well-being and daily activities across all stages of the disease.
- To support the maintenance of thinking abilities and day-to-day functioning, cognitive stimulation and training include memory exercises, reality orientation activities, puzzles, and group cognitive therapy.
- Behavioural and psychosocial support that reduces anxiety, agitation, and behavioural symptoms, such as organised social interaction, relaxing routines, and customised activity programs.
- Regular exercise and physical activity improve overall health, reduce neuropsychiatric problems and decrease functional decline.
- To improve independence and lower stress, adopt lifestyle and environmental changes like carer education, safe home modifications, and meaningful daily routines.
- To enhance mood, engagement, and emotional well-being, patients may use art, music, and sensory therapies (such as music therapy, essential oil scents, and multisensory stimulation).
Pharmacological treatment
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but the medications can help manage symptoms and slow the decline in thinking and daily functioning. The pharmacological treatment for Alzheimer’s is as follows:
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- NMDA antagonists or Glutamate regulators
- Combination therapy
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Vitamin deficiencies and hypothyroidism need to be treated appropriately at therapeutic dosing.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors:
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine at synapses is broken down by acetylcholinesterase enzymes, which terminate cholinergic signalling, which is crucial for memory and cognition. In Alzheimer's disease, reduced acetylcholine levels contribute to cognitive decline, so inhibiting acetylcholinesterase helps increase acetylcholine availability at nerve endings to modestly improve cognitive symptoms.
NMDA antagonists or Glutamate regulators:
NMDA antagonist or glutamate regulator helps improve memory, attention, language, reasoning and the ability to perform everyday tasks by regulating glutamate activity, a key neurotransmitter involved in information processing in the brain. It is used in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease and may cause side effects such as constipation, confusion, headache and dizziness.
Combination therapy:
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors combined with glutamate regulators. NMDA antagonist are usually well tolerated and is often prescribed together with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. It shows that adding an NMDA antagonist provides modest cognitive and functional benefits in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, but does not offer significant improvement in mild to moderate disease, while maintaining a good safety profile.
Antipsychotics:
Antipsychotics are not FDA-approved for treating Alzheimer's disease, but are sometimes used for severe behavioural symptoms such as aggression or psychosis. Some of the drugs may reduce aggression or psychotic symptoms, but studies show no significant improvement in overall functioning or quality of life and potential worsening of cognition or function. Atypical antipsychotics are linked with a higher risk of mortality, mainly from cardiovascular and infectious causes, and their use is generally avoided unless symptoms are severe and unmanageable.
Antidepressants:
Based on moderate-quality evidence, antidepressants may be used in Alzheimer's disease to help manage depression and some behavioural symptoms like agitation and aggression. Clinical guidelines recommend their use under certain conditions. However, the benefits of antidepressants vary from person to person and do not relieve depression or general behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Vitamin deficiencies and hypothyroidism need to be treated appropriately at therapeutic dosing.: Vitamin B12 deficiency and thyroid dysfunction can affect cognition, and with appropriate treatments, it is advised to rule out and treat potentially reversible causes of cognitive impairment during dementia evaluation. Although there isn't always a clear link between these underlying metabolic or endocrine abnormalities and Alzheimer's dementia, treating them may help slow down cognitive decline.
✅Alzheimer’s Prognosis
Despite treatment, the prognosis of Alzheimer's disease worsens over time and is ultimately fatal. Most people 65 years of age and older live an average of 4–8 years after diagnosis, though some can live up to 20 years, depending on factors such as age at onset and health. Alzheimer's continues to be a major cause of death for older adults, and life expectancy tends to decrease with increasing age at diagnosis and more severe symptoms.
Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Cost in Hyderabad, India
The cost of Alzheimer’s disease treatment in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹4,00,000 per year (approx. US $360 – US $4,820).
The exact cost of treatment varies depending on the stage of Alzheimer’s disease (early, moderate, or advanced), severity of memory and behavioural symptoms, need for medications, frequency of neurologist consultations, supportive therapies, caregiver involvement, and long-term monitoring. Hospital facilities, cognitive rehabilitation programs, and availability of cashless treatment options, TPA corporate tie-ups, and insurance assistance may also influence the overall cost.
Cost Breakdown According to Type of Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
- Medical Management (Cognitive-Enhancing & Supportive Medications) – ₹30,000 – ₹90,000 per year (US $360 – US $1,080)
- Neurology Consultations & Monitoring – ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 per year (US $240 – US $720)
- Cognitive Rehabilitation & Behavioural Therapy – ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000 per year (US $480 – US $1,445)
- Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Care Programs – ₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000 per year (US $960 – US $3,010)
- Advanced Dementia Care with Hospitalisation (If Required) – ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 (US $1,805 – US $4,820)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Alzheimer’s Disease
Is there a single test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease?
No, there is no single test that can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Instead, a combination of medical history, cognitive and mental status tests, neurological exams, lab tests, and brain imaging like MRI, CT, or PET scans is used to rule out other possible causes and back up the diagnosis. Biomarker tests (such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid assays) and advanced imaging can improve test accuracy, but they are not stand-alone tests; they are part of a larger assessment.
What is the average lifespan of an Alzheimer's disease patient?
The average lifespan after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is usually between 4 and 8 years for most people aged 65 and older. Survival rates, however, may vary widely; some individuals may live for up to 20 years after diagnosis. Age at diagnosis, disease stage, general physical health , and the existence of additional medical conditions are some of the variables that affect life expectancy. Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, and increasing disease severity is a major determinant of reduced survival over time.
Which Is the best hospital for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment in Hyderabad, India?
PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, is a trusted centre for the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related conditions, offering comprehensive neurological and supportive care.
We have experienced neurologists, geriatric specialists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and rehabilitation therapists working together to provide evidence-based treatment plans focused on slowing disease progression, managing behavioural symptoms, and improving quality of life.
We provide top-notch services with advanced neuroimaging (MRI, CT), cognitive assessments, memory clinics, behavioural therapy units, and structured caregiver counselling programs, PACE Hospitals ensures safe, effective, and patient-centred Alzheimer’s care — supported by cashless insurance facilities, TPA corporate tie-ups, and smooth documentation assistance.
What happens if Alzheimer's is left untreated?
If Alzheimer's disease is left untreated, the symptoms usually get worse over time and at a faster rate. Confusion, memory loss, and trouble with thinking skills get worse, making it harder to do everyday things like eating, dressing, and taking care of oneself. People who fail to receive treatment and help may have more behavioural problems, safety risks (like wandering), and health problems like malnutrition or infections. As the brain's functions get worse, advanced disease can lead to severe physical decline and a shorter life expectancy.
What is the first-line treatment for Alzheimer's disease?
The first-line treatment for Alzheimer's disease is cholinesterase inhibitors, mostly in patients with mild to moderate symptoms. This works by blocking the acetylcholine breakdown, a neurotransmitter decreased in Alzheimer's disease and crucial for memory and learning. They can temporarily enhance or stabilise cognitive processes like memory, attention, and reasoning by raising acetylcholine levels in the brain. Although these medications do not cure Alzheimer’s or stop disease progression, they help in delaying the worsening of symptoms.
What Is the cost of Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment at PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad?
At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, the cost of Alzheimer’s disease treatment typically ranges from ₹28,000 to ₹3,80,000 and above per year (approx. US $335 – US $4,580), making it a cost-effective option for specialised neurological and geriatric care compared to others. However, the final cost depends on:
- Stage and severity of Alzheimer’s disease
- Type and duration of medications prescribed
- Frequency of neurologist and specialist consultations
- Requirement for cognitive rehabilitation therapy
- Behavioural symptom management needs
- Diagnostic tests (MRI brain, cognitive assessments, blood tests)
- Caregiver training and long-term follow-up
For early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, costs remain toward the lower end with regular monitoring and medication, while advanced dementia requiring intensive supervision or hospitalisation may fall toward the higher range.
After a detailed neurological evaluation, cognitive testing, and functional assessment, our specialists provide a personalised treatment plan and transparent cost estimate, aligned with symptom management goals, patient safety, and long-term supportive care needs.
Who can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease?
General physicians and specialists like neurologists and geriatricians can diagnose Alzheimer's disease by assessing clinical evaluations, medical history, and cognitive abilities. Neuropsychologists also diagnose by performing cognitive evaluations and interpreting diagnostic tests. A skilled physician can diagnose Alzheimer's with high accuracy when symptoms and test findings are considered together.
What is the role of imaging in Alzheimer's disease?
Imaging in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease plays a supportive role. Brain imaging, such as CT or scans, is used to rule out other possible causes of cognitive decline, such as tumours, strokes, or hydrocephalus, and to assess patterns of brain atrophy that are consistent with Alzheimer's. Advanced imaging, such as a PET scan, can detect characteristic metabolic or protein changes and help increase diagnostic confidence, but no imaging test alone can definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease.
Is Alzheimer’s disease an autoimmune disease?
Alzheimer's disease is not considered an autoimmune condition. However, some studies indicate that the illness is significantly influenced by immune system dysfunction. Specifically, research suggests that Alzheimer's disease may be associated with an abnormal innate (natural) immune response, in which inflammatory mechanisms meant to protect the brain instead cause damage to neurons.
What are some differential diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is differentiated from other dementias with similar symptoms. These include frontotemporal dementia (personality or language changes), vascular dementia (associated with strokes) and Lewy body dementia (with hallucinations and movement symptoms). Clinicians also rule out depression, side effects of medications, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, and normal pressure hydrocephalus, as these can lead to cognitive decline that may be reversible.
What is the longest stage of Alzheimer's disease?
The longest stage of Alzheimer's disease is usually the middle (moderate) stage, which can last for several years. Memory loss and confusion worsen during this phase, and people often need assistance with daily tasks such as getting dressed, taking a shower, and maintaining routines. People may experience sleep disturbances, wandering, and behavioural changes, but they can still engage in activities with the proper support.
What are the end signs of Alzheimer's?
The end-stage (late) signs of Alzheimer's disease include severe memory loss, inability to communicate, and loss of awareness of surroundings. People at this stage become completely dependent on care, have difficulty in swallowing, experience weight loss, and may be bedridden. Increased vulnerability to infections, such as pneumonia, is also common in the final stage.
What is the first stage of Alzheimer's disease?
The early (mild) stage is the first stage of Alzheimer’s disease, which is characterised by subtle cognitive changes that may be noticed by the individual or close family members. Common features include forgetting recent conversations or appointments, difficulty finding the right words, difficulty planning or organising tasks, and occasionally misplacing items. Despite these symptoms, people in this stage can usually manage daily activities independently, such as working, driving, and socialising.
Is there a blood test for Alzheimer's disease?
Yes, blood-based tests are used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease by detecting disease-related brain changes. These tests measure biomarkers, which are strongly associated with Alzheimer's pathology. Examples include PrecivityAD2, which provides an amyloid probability score, and the Lumipulse blood test, which assesses amyloid and tau protein ratios. These tests help as a less invasive alternative to PET scans or spinal fluid analysis and are used as supportive diagnostic tools alongside clinical evaluation.
Are Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's the same?
No, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease are not the same. Memory and cognitive problems are affected by Alzheimer's disease, whereas Parkinson's disease mainly affects movement and motor control. Despite the fact that both disorders are neurodegenerative and lead to dementia, they have different pathological processes and impact different parts of the brain.
What are the ways to help someone with Alzheimer’s disease without using medicines?
Non-pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer's disease include cognitive stimulation and training, such as memory exercises, reality orientation, puzzles, and group cognitive therapy. Behavioural and psychosocial support, daily routines, and organised social activities help reduce anxiety and agitation. Regular exercise is good for health and may help to stay functional longer. Changes in lifestyle and environment, caregiver education, and therapies such as music, art, and sensory stimulation can all help improve mood, engagement, and quality of life.
