Getting a Cognitive Diagnosis

Checks reflexes, balance, coordination, eye movement, and strength to rule out other neurological issues

Medical History Review

Includes current symptoms, family history of dementia, medications, lifestyle factors, and psychiatric history (e.g., depression or anxiety, which can mimic memory problems).

In-depth testing by a specialist to pinpoint cognitive strengths and weaknesses across memory, language, attention, and executive function. This helps distinguish between MCI, dementia, and other causes.

Brain Imaging

MRI or CT scan: Checks for strokes, tumors, or shrinkage in specific brain regions.

PET scan: May be used to detect amyloid or tau buildup (linked to Alzheimer’s) or assess brain metabolism.

Blood Tests

To rule out reversible causes of memory issues, like vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, infections, or liver/kidney issues. Some clinicians are using them to detect probability of Alzheimer’s disease.

Biomarker Tests (if available and appropriate)

CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) test: Can detect Alzheimer’s-related proteins.

Blood-based biomarker tests: Becoming more available for detecting early Alzheimer’s changes (like phosphorylated tau).

Rivastigmine is available as a pill or skin patch. It works by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical that supports learning and memory. It’s used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s and some forms of Parkinson’s-related dementia.

Memantine helps regulate glutamate, the brain’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter, essential for learning, memory, and normal brain function. Memantine is used for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s and can be taken alone or with other medications like donepezil.

Namzaric combines two drugs—donepezil and memantine—to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. It helps improve symptoms by working on two different brain chemicals: acetylcholine and glutamate.

Leqembi is an intravenous infusion that targets beta-amyloid plaques—proteins that build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. It’s approved for early-stage Alzheimer’s and may slow the progression of the disease in people who test positive for amyloid buildup. It is one of two monoclonal antibody drugs, and among the first disease modifying drugs approved by the FDA.

Kisunla is an intravenous medication that targets and helps remove beta-amyloid plaques from the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. It is designed for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who test positive for amyloid. Kisunla may help slow disease progression and it is also a diseae modifying drug.