Is it Alzheimer's? Neuropsychological testing helps to clarify diagnostic puzzle.
This patient displayed a pattern of neuropsychological test results that indicated early Alzheimer's dementia. Using neuropsychological testing to make the diagnosis provided an answer for the patient, family, and psychiatrist, who all recognized a problem, and allowed for future planning. Recommendations for the patient included: psychoeducation and support for the patient and family assistance with planning for the future, including discussions of advance directives and financial management re-evaluation of the patient's ability to drive a motor vehicle a trial of a cholinesterase inhibitor such as donepezil or rivastigmine ongoing health maintenance, including periodic screening for depression and other psychiatric symptoms repeat neuropsychological assessment in 6 months to 1 year to assess rate of decline and confirm the diagnosis.
Peterson
A
A
Jewish Home and Hospital-Bronx Division, Bronx, NY, USA.
Lantz
M S
MS
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests