Rapid Alzheimer’s test: what is your risk?

The test to identify Alzheimer’s risk was developed by American neurologist James E Galvin and New York University Langone Medical Center ⁽¹⁾ and aims to evaluate some factors such as memory, orientation, as well as changes in mood and language based on the answer to 10 questions. The test can be done by the person themselves or by a family member when Alzheimer’s is suspected.

Although it does not provide enough data to make a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, this questionnaire may indicate that the person needs to see a doctor because there is a suspicion that the disease is developing. However, only a doctor, based on tests, can diagnose and recommend treatment for Alzheimer’s.

Take the following test to identify your risk of Alzheimer’s:

Who is most at risk of developing Alzheimer’s

Although Alzheimer’s is normally identified after the age of 60, the disease may begin to manifest some symptoms in younger people, this is because the disease is more likely to occur in people who have a family history of Alzheimer’s, making the disease known as Early Alzheimer’s. Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of early Alzheimer’s.

In addition to being more common in people who have family members diagnosed with the disease, due to the genetic factor, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s is also higher in people who smoke frequently, in people who have an unhealthy diet, do not practice physical activity, who have been exposed to heavy metals due to professional activity, or who have suffered a brain injury. This is because these situations can promote changes in the activity of the nervous system over time, favoring the development of Alzheimer’s. See more about the causes of Alzheimer’s.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is made, in most cases, by the neurologist by carrying out various behavioral tests that make it possible to assess the activity of the nervous system, in addition to taking into account the Alzheimer’s risk test and the assessment of signs and symptoms. presented by the person over time.

In addition, the doctor may recommend carrying out some blood tests, to make a differential diagnosis of other diseases, and imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, for example.

In some cases, the doctor may also request an analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid to check the levels of beta-amyloid and Tau proteins, which are normally in higher quantities in cases of Alzheimer’s. However, this exam is not routinely requested and is not always available for completion.

Find out more about this disease, how to prevent it and how to care for people with Alzheimer’s by