Diagnosing Dementia

Noticing you or a loved one is exhibiting symptoms of dementia can be daunting, and it’s common for some people to avoid a professional diagnosis. This may be due to fear, anxiety or denial. However, early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and emotional support. 

It is absolutely possible to live well with dementia, and with a dedicated support network of loved ones, medical professionals, charities and care providers, you’ll be able to access the treatment, advice and companionship you need to help you live the life you know and love.

Who Can Diagnose Dementia?

Occasionally, a GP or specialist nurse will make the diagnosis, depending on their expertise and training, but diagnoses are usually made by specialist medical professionals such as:

• Psychiatrists: A mental health specialist
• Geriatricians: A doctor specialising in the physical health of older people
• Neurologists: A doctor specialising in diseases of the nervous system

What Does a Dementia Diagnosis Involve?

Your local doctors’ surgery is a familiar location filled with friendly faces, which can be a valuable comfort when having an initial discussion about dementia. Your GP will be able to offer their advice and guidance; they may make an initial diagnosis or refer you to a colleague or specialist to ensure that you receive a detailed assessment. 

There is no single test for dementia. The human brain is a phenomenally intricate organ, and a combination of assessments will help you understand your circumstances.

After an initial discussion, you may participate in:

• A discussion with your GP will give you an opportunity to talk about how changes in your health have developed and how they’re affecting your daily life. It’s usually advisable for a loved one to attend this discussion as well, to offer their own perspective and provide support.
• A physical examination and tests, such as blood tests, will help gather further information about your health and eliminate other possible causes for the symptoms.
• Mental abilities are usually tested with memory and cognitive tests. These tests are designed to help your medical team understand how your brain processes information. Simpler tests are usually performed by a nurse or doctor; more specialized tests are performed by a psychologist.
• Sometimes, more information is needed before a conclusive diagnosis can be made. A brain scan will usually indicate the type and extent of the damage.

The more detail you can discover regarding your health, the more you’ll be able to understand and plan for the future.

Why Is Early Diagnosis Important?

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Occasionally forgetting an item off your shopping list or missing an appointment doesn’t need to be an immediate cause for concern. However, if you or a loved one is feeling worried about changes in your cognitive or physical abilities, seeking advice from your doctor will help you understand the cause of these changes. 

Noticeable changes in your cognitive and physical abilities and behaviour may be caused by a treatable condition, and seeking medical advice will help you access the right treatment.

If the cause of these changes is due to dementia, getting a formal diagnosis can be helpful to both you and your loved ones for many reasons. Although a formal diagnosis can be a worrying prospect, a full understanding of your health will help you plan for the future to ensure that your decisions today will help you live an enriched life in the future.

As medical and scientific research advances, the range of available treatments continually evolves. Getting a diagnosis will help you access appropriate treatment wherever it’s available.

Talk to Our Dedicated Team of Experts Today

The standards set by Patricia White 30 years ago still apply today. Call our experienced team today on 01293 224708 to discuss your home care needs and receive a free, no-obligation quotation. Or feel free to send us a message using our online enquiry form. A member of our expert care team will respond as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours.