How Is Agitation In Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

Before diagnosing agitation in Alzheimer’s disease (AAD), your doctor should run a series of tests and consider other possible causes of the agitation. These include infection, dehydration, pain, and certain medications such as antihistamines, anticholinergics (eg, oxybutynin), opioids, corticosteroids, and sedatives.^1,2

Your description of your loved one’s behavior is crucial to the doctor making a diagnosis. The doctor will ask you a series of questions to determine if the agitation is related to Alzheimer’s or some other cause. It’s a good idea to keep a diary for a week or two, noting episodes of agitation and what seems to trigger them.