Early Signs of Alzheimer's May Be Detected with MRI Brain Scans
When most people think of Alzheimer’s disease, they think of memory loss as the most prominent symptom. However, Alzheimer’s isn’t just about forgetfulness – there are many subtle signs that appear in the early stages of the disease that are often overlooked by physicians and loved ones alike. One such early sign is altered brain anatomy, and this may be found with an MRI brain scan before symptoms begin to show. If you or someone you love is showing early signs of Alzheimer’s, talk to your doctor about scheduling an MRI today to detect it and get treatment started before it becomes too late.
10 Tips To Prepare For An Alzheimer’s Test
Diagnosing early stages of Alzheimer’s disease is difficult, but several tests can help doctors detect early warning signs. The latest research has shown that an MRI brain scan may be one way to detect whether a patient has early-stage symptoms—about 5 years before a patient would be diagnosed by clinical symptoms alone. Experts say routine screening for at-risk patients should begin in their mid-50s, even if they show no signs of memory loss or dementia. However, those who are most likely to develop Alzheimer’s (African Americans over age 65) may want to consider testing much earlier than mid-50s if they have family history and/or risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. To prepare for an Alzheimer’s test, you will need:
1. A list of questions about your medical history and other health concerns;
2. To complete paperwork beforehand;
3. Someone to drive you home after your test;
4. A support person to accompany you during your test;
5. Your insurance card or payment information;
6. To make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return home;
7. To wear comfortable clothing (e.g., short sleeves); 8. To remove all jewelry, including eyeglasses;
9. A list of medications you are taking;
10. A list of allergies you have;
11. Your social security number or your insurance information if applicable; anda
5 Ways to Ease the Stress and Anxiety of Waiting for Results
The brain is one of our most important assets—and it’s also very delicate. No matter what kind of test you are waiting for, there’s bound to be some amount of stress and anxiety associated with it. While it’s impossible to eliminate all that stress and anxiety, there are ways you can make those feelings fade into memory so they don’t cause permanent damage or hold you back in life. By doing things like taking a vacation, getting enough sleep and eating well, many people find they are able to return their focus on enjoying life while they wait. If your tests come back fine and you start feeling anxious or upset again, seek help from a professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist who can prescribe anxiety-reducing medications if necessary. For more information about how an MRI brain scan may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease, contact local doctors today.
To take your mind off of waiting for results, try to focus on other tasks and rewarding yourself by spending time doing something relaxing you enjoy. It might not seem like doing anything else will distract you, but sometimes just changing up your routine enough can put worry out of your mind temporarily until results come back. Plan ahead by writing down a few different activities you could do during each day after receiving results or making sure someone else in your life knows how nervous you are. It might also help to talk through these worries with friends and family members who care about you so they know how worried you are when it comes time to hear news about results. Also keep in mind that if your tests show there is nothing wrong, you may feel relieved that nothing is wrong, but there’s also a chance that anxiety and stress will continue if you’re left worrying about why nothing was found wrong. These feelings can often be eased with professional help from an anxiety therapist or psychiatrist so don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance. For more information about what an MRI brain scan may reveal, contact local doctors today.
You shouldn’t let testing and waiting completely take over your life—it’s important to remember there are many other things going on right now besides results coming back. It might be hard to think about anything else when you’re so focused on results, but try to get out of that mindset by taking a walk or reading a book for an hour every day. If you can distract yourself from worry even for just a few minutes at a time, it can help make those minutes pass more quickly and allow you to enjoy your life while you wait for news about what is going on in your body. Also keep in mind that worrying won’t change anything, so if you find yourself getting worked up again, try doing something else until it passes instead of letting it hold you back from enjoying everything else around you. For more information about how an MRI brain scan may detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease, contact local doctors today. To reduce stress and anxiety, try exercising regularly. Even just 20 minutes of walking a day can have big benefits on your mood and overall health. Exercising releases endorphins which will give you feelings of happiness and contentment which will also make it easier to relax during stressful times like waiting for test results. Also keep in mind that exercise isn’t only beneficial because it makes you feel good, but also because it helps reduce stress hormones which will improve your ability to cope with stressful situations like waiting for test results as well as everyday challenges throughout life. For more information about how an MRI brain scan may reveal early signs of Alzheimer's disease, contact local doctors today.
What If I Have No Insurance?
MRIs are commonly covered by insurance, but it’s always a good idea to call your provider first. This way you can make sure that an MRI is covered before you get in for a scan. If you have Medicare, any MRIs will be covered as long as they're medically necessary. Since Medicare is federally funded and free, there is no cost involved—but again, it’s important to double-check if an MRI will count toward your coverage and what criteria need to be met. One note: If you have private insurance, some companies require patients to first meet with their primary care physician before going in for an MRI; some don't even cover MRIs at all. You may want to check out our guide on how to save money on medical bills for more tips on getting an MRI without breaking your budget. Also keep in mind that while many facilities offer payment plans or discounts, those prices are still often very high. So once again, you might find yourself spending hundreds of dollars for something you really can’t afford. And if you don't have insurance or financial help from Medicare?
How Much Does it Cost?
An MRI is considered a test, not a procedure, and therefore its cost will vary based on your health insurance plan. Your doctor’s office may be able to give you an estimate in advance. The average cost for an MRI is between $650 and $1,200 for each scan (sometimes more), but prices can vary greatly depending on what region you live in. Generally speaking, if you need multiple scans or travel a significant distance to have one done, you'll probably pay more. Additionally, these prices don't include any additional procedures that may be required during or after the scan (such as contrast dye). Remember to always ask how much things cost up front so there are no surprises later you're not sure whether or not your insurance covers an MRI, call your provider directly and ask. You might also want to consider getting quotes from other providers before making a decision about where to go. And remember: If money is tight, look into grants offered by private foundations and charities—these funds might help cover costs associated with having an MRI performed.
Why Wait? Schedule Your Appointment Today
An MRI brain scan can help detect a number of problems, including cancerous tumors, aneurysms and degenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease. By using an MRI to diagnose these conditions before they progress, it may be possible to slow or stop their progression. An MRI also helps doctors make sure there are no other conditions that require treatment or observation. It can also be used to find any co-existing conditions that may not have been apparent during your doctor’s appointment. And, because MRIs use non-invasive procedures and no needles are involved in a typical screening process, you don’t have to worry about pain or discomfort when having one done. Today is as good a day as any to start living your healthiest life! Schedule your appointment today.
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