Doctors use several methods and tools to help determine whether a person who is having memory problems has “possible Alzheimer’s disease” (dementia may be due to another cause), “probable Alzheimer’s disease” (no other cause for dementia be found), or some other problem. To diagnose Alzheimer’s, doctors may: 1  Ask the person and a family member or friend questions about overall health, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality.  Conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language.