The evaluation of senile dementia begins with a history and physical exam.

The physical exam is usually normal in someone with senile dementia.

The evaluation of someone with senile dementia includes:

• Evaluation by a neurologist
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Brain imaging studies

Behavioral findings in someone with senile dementia may include:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty communicating ideas
• Impaired judgment
• Difficulty understanding directions

Tests that may be used to evaluate senile dementia include:

• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• SPECT scanning
• A newer method that may provide earlier detection of stroke in some cases
• PET scanning of the brain
• EEG
• Lumbar puncture with spinal fluid analysis

Tests that may be used to identify Alzheimer's disease include:

• Brain biopsy
• Amyloid beta 42
• Amyloid beta 42 is a protein that can be elevated in some individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid beta is formed after the sequential cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Autosomal dominant mutations in APP can cause a hereditary form of Alzheimer's disease.
• N-acetyl aspartate
• Myo-inositol
• Serum thiamine level
• Serum folate level
• Thyroid profile
• Electrolyte profile
• Serum iron level