This is related to the fact that the first period is the so-called clinically silent period. At the same time, diagnosing the disease as soon as possible provides an opportunity to undertake causal treatment. For diagnostic purposes, the criteria contained in DS IV are used in clinical management because of their high sensitivity and specificity.

The criteria used primarily in Europe are the ICD-10. The currently used and very popular National Institute of Neurologic, Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria should be complementary. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is possible following neuropathological examination. Information about metabolic and endocrine disorders or atherosclerotic disease plays a very important role for diagnosis.

Particular attention should be paid to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and estrogen treatment. Another important aspect is the various types of past surgical procedures under general anaesthesia and head trauma and concussion. Family history, in terms of family history of dementia, addictions (alcohol, drugs, tobacco) or history of poisoning plays a significant role.

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In the initial phase of the study, the MMSE test and the clock test are usually carried out, and the neurological examination should look for Parkinson syndrome and the presence of deliberation symptoms. The exclusion of depression also plays a very important role. For this, a psychiatrist should be seen for diagnostic purposes. Depression very often accompanies people with Alzheimer's disease, as do sleep disorders, insomnia, anxiety, withdrawal, aggression or irritability - these symptoms must be examined by a psychiatrist. They should never be underestimated.