Symptoms of Dementia

Memory loss is the key symptom of dementia. Other symptoms vary from case to case.

Alzheimer's has 7 clinical stages ranging from Normal to Severe Alzheimer's Disease.

1. Normal
2. Normal aged forgetfulness
3. Mild cognitive impairment
4. Mild Alzheimer's disease
5. Moderate Alzheimer's disease
6. Moderately severe
7. Severe

Detection and Diagnosis

Although there is no single test to detect the disease, medical professionals and researchers have used brain imaging, blood tests (homocysteine level), mental status testing (a team of scientists from Oxford developed this online cognitive function test to help assess risk), and other methods to help diagnose symptoms. Regardless, early detection is important so please see your doctor if you suspect that you have the symptoms.

1. Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET)
2. Latest research: Arterial Spin Labeling - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ASL-MRI)

Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

The United Kingdom's National Health Service has a free "handbook" [Download PDF] to help organize your important personal information, health status, and care planning.