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Alzheimer's DiseaseDiagnosisA person with Alzheimer's often doesn't recognize that there is a problem. Usually family members and close friends notice the forgetfulness and changes in behavior. Rather than trying to convince a person with symptoms that he or she has a problem, arrange for an appointment with the person's doctor. At least one family member or close friend should accompany the patient. The doctor will want to know about memory lapses, difficulty using language, problems learning and retaining new information, difficulty following directions or handling complex tasks, episodes of poor judgment or unusual or risky behaviors. More of this information is likely to be provided by family members and friends. The doctor will do a neurological examination (to check the brain and nerves), as well as a brief mental status examination, which includes visual, writing and memory testing. The doctor will check for other illnesses that can cause symptoms that resemble Alzheimer's disease. Testing may include blood tests to make sure that blood chemistry and the levels of vitamin B-12 and thyroid hormone are normal. In some cases, the doctor may order a brain imaging study to be more certain that there is not some other reason for the symptoms. The results of a computed tomography (CT) scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan cannot diagnose Alzheimer's with certainty. However, the radiologist (doctor who reads the scans) can suggest that the images are consistent with the disease. If your symptoms are not typical (10% to 20% of cases) or if the neurological examination shows signs of a sensory or movement problem, the doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, geriatrician or a geriatric psychiatrist, to confirm the diagnosis.
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From Health A-Z, Harvard Health Publications. Copyright 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to reproduce, in any manner, in whole or in part, the material contained herein. To make a reprint request, contact Harvard Health Publications. Used with permission of StayWell.
You can find more great health information on the Harvard Health Publications website. |
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Cheese. Bacon. Tomatoes. Yum!
Chef Meg finds a slightly more sophisticated version of the hot pepper poppers found on appetizer menus everywhere. Her version uses mild banana peppers, creamy Gouda cheese, a bit of bacon for a smoky richness, and tomatoes to offer a bit of freshness. She grills them to add another layer of flavor to the dish.
Serve these as an appetizer or unexpected side dish at your next barbecue!
Chef Meg uses panko, or Japanese breadcrumbs in this recipe. You can substitute whatever breadcrumbs you have on hand.
Full Recipe
