Assessment

1. Alzheimer's Disease

A definitive diagnosis is only possible with the examination of brain tissue which is usually done at autopsy.

2. Multi-Infarct Dementia

Neurological examination and brain scanning(ex.- computerized tomography or CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging or MRI).

3. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

An examination of brain tissue at autopsy.

4. Picks Disease

An examination of brain tissue at autopsy.

5. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

MRI

6. Huntington's Disease

• Family medical history
• CAT brain scanning
• Recognition of typical movement disorders

Treatments and Cures

With few exceptions these diseases are not yet subject to treatments or cures.

Parkinsons Disease

Levodopa may improve some of the motor symptoms but not the mental changes.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Insertion of a shunt may divert fluid away from the brain.