Doctors can determine fairly accurately whether a person who is having memory problems has “probable Alzheimer’s disease”; however, Alzheimer’s can be definitively diagnosed only after death by examining the brain through autopsy. There are several medications that have been approved by the FDA, that can help maintain mental function. Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s; however, diagnosis and treatment in the early stages of the disease can help preserve function for months to years. Also, early diagnosis can provide opportunities for people to get involved in clinical trials.