Have you ever noticed that an elderly person in your home, perhaps your mother, father, grandmother or grandfather, is increasingly forgetting things? It is normal to feel scared when you see things like suddenly stumbling over words while talking, having difficulty doing simple tasks, and sometimes getting angry while sitting. Many people think that this is a normal thing that happens as they get older. But it could be the beginning of a disease called dementia . So, today we will talk about how doctors diagnose this condition called dementia .
Dementia cannot be diagnosed with a single test.
The first thing to understand is that dementia is not something that can be diagnosed with a blood test like diabetes . It is a multi-step process. Your doctor will perform a series of tests to look at your loved one's thinking ability, nervous system function, and brain structure. Then, they will put all of that information together to determine whether or not they have dementia.
It is important to identify the cause of these symptoms early, as this can help you start medication and physical therapy to control some of the symptoms. It can also help you plan for the future and make health, financial, and legal decisions.
Several other specialists may join your family doctor on this journey.
- Neurologist : A doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system.
- Psychiatrist: A doctor who specializes in mental health .
- A specialist in memory and mental functioning (Psychologist or Neuropsychologist): Someone who examines in depth the abilities of thinking and remembering.
- Geriatrician: A doctor who specializes in the health problems of older people.
What's the first thing that happens when you go to see the doctor?
Your family doctor will likely first perform a physical examination and ask you and the patient a few questions about their medical history.
- Does anyone in your family have dementia?
- When did these symptoms start?
- Have you noticed any changes in behavior or personality?
- Are there any other illnesses? What medications are used?
The important thing is that someone with dementia may not be aware of their condition. Therefore, the doctor will definitely ask the same questions to a close family member or friend like you to get information.
Main tests for diagnosing dementia
The doctor comes to a conclusion by combining information from not just one test, but several types of tests. Let's see what they are.
| Test type | What do you see in this? |
|---|---|
| Cognitive tests | They look for problems with things like memory, problem-solving ability, and language skills. |
| Neurological tests | They check whether the body's balance, reflexes, and eye movements are working properly. |
| Blood tests (Lab tests) | They also look for vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, and levels of certain proteins that affect the brain. |
| Brain scans | It takes pictures of the structure and function of the brain, and also checks for other problems, such as tumors or bleeding. |
| Psychiatric evaluation | It is determined whether these symptoms are caused by another mental condition, such as depression. |
Cognitive tests
These are like little quizzes. The doctor might ask you to wear a watch and mark the time on it, or ask you to memorize some words and repeat them, or ask you to count backwards by 7s starting from 100. These can give you a rough idea of whether there is any weakness in your thinking ability.
Neurological tests
The doctor will tap your knee with a small rubber mallet to check for reflexes. He will ask you to stand with your eyes closed and touch the tip of your nose with your finger. This will give you a good idea of how your nervous system is working.
Blood tests and brain scans
A simple blood test can detect things like vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid problems. These conditions can also cause memory loss. And special blood tests now can look for proteins called beta-amyloid and tau (p-tau217), which accumulate in the brain. These can help diagnose Alzheimer 's disease .
There are several types of brain scans:
- CT scan: A series of X-ray images are put together to create a complete picture of the brain.
- MRI scan: Uses powerful magnets and radio waves to take very clear pictures of the brain and surrounding tissues.
- PET scan: Shows brain activity and can check for the presence of amyloid protein, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Let's get ready before going to see the doctor.
Having these things ready when you go to see the doctor will be a great help to you.
- A list of symptoms: Write down all the symptoms you experience, even if they don't seem related to dementia.
- Recent stress or major life changes: things like retirement from work, death of a loved one.
- All medications used: Write down all medications prescribed by your doctor, including vitamins, Panadol, and Ayurvedic medicines, along with the dosage.
- A list of questions to ask: You may forget some things when you see the doctor, so write down your questions in advance.
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