Although there is no definitive test for diagnosing dementia, healthcare providers employ a variety of methods to assess symptoms. The process begins when you and your loved ones notice changes in your behavior, memory, or thinking, and then consult a doctor to initiate the diagnostic process promptly.
Keeping Track of Symptoms
If you’re concerned about potential signs of dementia, consider keeping a record of any problems you observe. You may also want to ask a family member or close friend if they’ve noticed similar changes. Another useful tool is the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE), available online. You can complete this cognitive assessment and bring the results to your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
During your medical visit, be sure to share all the symptoms you’re experiencing, how they’ve progressed over time, and how they are affecting your daily life. Your doctor may ask questions regarding your balance, coordination, mobility, and overall health. It’s important to provide a complete list of all medications you’re taking, including any over-the-counter supplements or natural products, as these may interact with each other or with your prescriptions.
Blood Tests
Your healthcare provider may order blood tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Common tests include those that check for infections, electrolyte imbalances, kidney and liver function, thyroid function, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Preliminary Cognitive Assessments
Depending on any observed changes in your cognitive abilities, your primary care physician may conduct an evaluation. One key part of this process is administering cognitive exams that test memory, concentration, problem-solving, and language skills. These assessments typically take between 15 to 30 minutes. Some of the most common tests include:
- Mini-Cog: A brief three-minute exam that includes a three-word recall task and a Clock Drawing Test.
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): Involves repeating prompts, following instructions, and answering orientation questions regarding time and place. Patients are also asked to recall three items.
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Similar to the MMSE but with slightly more challenging questions. Research shows it can be more effective in detecting mild cognitive impairments. Patients are asked to recall five items.
- Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS): A shorter test than the MoCA but equally challenging, designed to assess cognitive impairment.
Brain Imaging
In addition to preliminary cognitive assessments, brain scans may be used to help diagnose dementia or rule out other conditions like brain tumors or strokes that could cause similar symptoms. MRI and CT scans can show signs of brain shrinkage, which may support a dementia diagnosis. They can also reveal reduced blood flow to the brain, a key indicator of vascular dementia. A PET scan, which uses small amounts of a radioactive substance to measure brain activity, can detect abnormal protein deposits in the brain—commonly associated with various forms of dementia.
Thorough Neuropsychological evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation can help provide answers, guidance, and a path forward for those dealing with cognitive and behavioral challenges. With its precision and attention to detail, it can help you understand your symptoms, develop a personalized treatment plan, and achieve your goals. By assessing an individual’s memory, attention, language, and executive functioning, neuropsychologists can pinpoint specific areas of cognitive weakness and develop targeted treatment plans to address these deficits.
Neuropsychologist can diagnose a specific type of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia or mix dementia. Identifying a specific type can guide treatment options and provide insight into how the disease may develop over time.
So how exactly can a neuropsychological evaluation help you? Here are a few key ways:
- Pinpointing the source of your symptoms
- Personalized treatment
- Prognostic information
- Objectively measuring your progress
Why Diagnosis Matters
A diagnosis provides clarity, helping explain why you’ve been experiencing difficulties with memory or decision-making. Many people feel a sense of relief once they understand the cause of their symptoms.
Knowing about your condition early allows you to plan for the future and communicate your wishes to loved ones. Medications and therapies can help manage and alleviate some of the symptoms of dementia.
Momentous Health, a neuropsychology clinic that provides comprehensive cognitive care, from assessment and diagnosis to cognitive rehabilitation and long-term follow-up, all in one place. We understand the impact that cognitive challenges can have on every aspect of life, from work and school to personal relationships and daily routines. Our team of highly trained neuropsychologists work collaboratively with each patient to develop individualized treatment plans that prioritize their specific needs and goals. Visit Momentous Health Website
Take care of your brain, your brain will take care of you.