When my MIL was diagnosed, the neurologist said her MRI showed "classic
brain shrinkage patterns consistent with Alzheimer's".  They had done the
MRI to rule out CJD and other problems.  But they emphasized that
Alzheimer's was a diagnosis inferred from several indicators and could only
be conclusivly diagnosed at autopsy.  How much misery could be avoided if
they ever get a test that can provide a conclusive diagnosis up front?  What
an improvement that would be over the current situation for many of watching
people deterioate until the situation becomes drastic and undeniable.  I
didn't post the whole article (but included a link).  I found it
interesting.

Karen
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Brain Tests Help Evaluate Mental Condition
Feb 21, 11:02 AM (ET)

By JAMIE STENGLE
DALLAS (AP) - Bill Crist was angry and upset when his doctor diagnosed him
with dementia. But the 64-year-old retired pharmacist felt a little better
after going to the Center for BrainHealth for an evaluation, which showed
his language skills and memory were still quite strong.

Crist suffers from a neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. He said the follow-up test helped show
him which brain functions "look normal."

Such exams are becoming increasingly popular as aging Americans try to
differentiate between normal aging problems and the effects of neurological
conditions.

The three-hour screenings cost $350 and are not covered by insurance. Many
people get tested even when they aren't showing signs of brain problems.
-----
Slight downward shifts in mental capacity can be a sign of strokes, kidney
malfunction, stress or depression, said Dr. Sandra Chapman, the center's
director.

"The earlier you detect a glitch in the brain, the more that can be done,"
she said.

The best candidates for screenings are people who have noticed changes in
their memory, said Dr. Randolph Schiffer, chair of the department of
neuropsychiatry and behavioral science at Texas Tech University.
-----

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050221/D88D0C9G0.html