What To Know About Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease

Discover the steps required to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, including MCI.

Key points

  • The process to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, including MCI involves multiple appointments and healthcare professionals.
  • The diagnosis can be confronting and emotional for some.
  • General practitioners (GPs) and specialists have unique and important roles in the diagnosis process.

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or watching a loved one receive a diagnosis, can be emotional and confronting. For some, it can be upsetting or may come as a shock. For others, receiving an ‘official’ medical diagnosis simply confirms what has long been suspected.

 

In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, a patient or a member of their family  typically reports memory problems to their general practitioner (GP) or healthcare professional. The GP will ask a series of questions in follow-up and may conduct a short test of mental ability. On the basis of this, the doctor will decide whether to refer the patient to a specialist.

 

Everyone's experience of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or MCI is different, as there are many ways in which you can be tested for and diagnosed with these conditions.1

 

 

Currently, there is no single, uniform process for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease or MCI, so everyone's experience of diagnosis may be different. Current Australian recommendations1 on approaching the Detection, Assessment and Management of MCI outline a structured, evidence-based approach.

 

Diagnosis may begin with a detailed patient history, possibly supported by input from family or carers. This may be followed by cognitive assessments and medical investigations, including brain imaging (CT or MRI), blood tests and, in some cases, additional psychological or biomarker testing.1

 

 

 

The recommendations emphasise that diagnosis is best achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. General practitioners (GPs), nurses, allied health professionals, and specialists may all play a role, depending on the complexity of the case. This collaborative model ensures a thorough and personalised evaluation.

 

The process of diagnosing MCI is likely to be similar. MCI can be caused by underlying Alzheimer’s disease. These cases are called ‘prodromal’ Alzheimer’s disease and are an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

The path to diagnosis can vary significantly between individuals. The involvement of different healthcare professionals and diagnostic tools means each person’s experience is unique.

 

 

 

 

If your regular GP notices any concerning memory or behavioural symptoms, they can refer you or your loved one to a specialist for further examination or diagnosis.2

 

Alternatively, if you or your loved one is experiencing memory problems, you can go directly to your GP to share your concerns.  They’ll be able to examine the situation, ask relevant questions and conduct a brief memory assessment, before deciding whether additional investigation if necessary.3

 

Some GPs may then conduct further tests, such as blood tests or CT scans, before referring you on to a specialist, while others will refer you following your initial assessment.2,3

The specialist and their team will perform additional examinations,  this might include  further in-depth memory testing and brain scans, to assess the symptoms you're concerned about.

 

In most cases the specialist will be the one to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, rather than your GP.

Appointments and Diagnosis

A Doctor will first rule out other possible causes of memory-related symptoms. If no other causes are applicable, they will use specific tests and procedures to explore a diagnosis ofAlzheimer’s disease, or MCI.

 

Whether you’re attending an appointment for yourself, or someone you’re supporting, you may find the following tips useful:

 

  • Before your visit, think about any symptoms you want to raise during your consultation.
  • Bring along someone who will support you and can note down any important points made by your doctor during your appointment.
  • Ask the doctor to write down or clarify any medical terms you're not familiar with.
  • If you’ve received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, you can ask the doctor what you can expect to happen as the disease progresses  – this can help you make plans for the future.
  • Request information on how you can find and contact local support groups.

 

If you think you or a loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease or MCI,  consult your GP or healthcare professional for an initial evaluation.

 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or MCI, remember you're not alone. There are resources and support available to help you navigate this journey – find out more and access support here. there are ways you can help sustain your memory and cognitive function and preserve your quality of life. 

 

 

Souvenaid® is a Food for Special Medical Purpose for the dietary management of early Alzheimer’s disease. Must be used under medical supervision.

  1. Woodward M, et al. Nationally Informed Recommendations on Approaching the Detection, Assessment, and Management of Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzh Dis. 2022; 89:803-9.
  2. Alzheimer’s Org. What is Alzheimer’s? [Internet]. [2025; cited 2025 Feb 6]. Available at: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
  3. Dementia Australia. Alzheimer’s Disease. Everything you need to know [Internet]. [Cited 2025 Feb 6]. Available at: https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/alzheimers-disease-everything-you-need-know  
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