Part 4: Getting a Diagnosis
Table of Contents
Several conditions can lead to dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease (including stroke).
Signs of dementia are unique to each person, but there will usually be:
- Decline in memory, reasoning and communication skills
- Gradual loss of the skills needed to carry out daily activities
- Confusion
Other conditions have symptoms similar to dementia and may be treatable, including:
- depression
- chest and urinary infections
- severe constipation
- vitamin and thyroid deficiencies
- brain tumours
- drug interactions
- alcohol abuse
Other possible causes of confusion are poor sight or hearing and emotional changes and upsets, such as moving or bereavement
Finding out the cause of the symptoms can help you to:
- Understand the source of the symptoms
- Get advice, information and support (emotional, practical and financial) from community agencies, medical professionals and the Alzheimer Society
- Allow the person with dementia to plan and make arrangements for the future
In the two videos below, geriatrician Dr Jasneet Parmar discusses the process of diagnosing dementia and what to do if you are worried about someone’s or your own memory.
Assessments
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of forgetfulness, confusion or agitation, speak to your family doctor. If you don’t have a family doctor, you can call your local Alzheimer Society. They will help you navigate your options.
At the end of an assessment, your family doctor may feel able to make a diagnosis, or they may request further tests to make sure. They may also want to refer the person to a memory clinic or other specialist service for a fuller assessment.
More Learning Resources
Talking to your doctor about dementia
How to get tested for dementia: Tips for individuals, families and friends