Dementia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

They often begin mildly and progress over time. Symptoms vary according to the cause of the dementia, but often include:

Increasing trouble remembering things, such as:
- How to get to familiar locations
- What the names of family and friends are
- Where common objects are usually kept
- How to do simple math
- How to do usual tasks, such as cooking, dressing, bathing, etc.
- How to drive
- How to pay bills
Having difficulty concentrating on tasks
Having difficulty completing sentences due to lost/forgotten words (may progress to complete inability to speak)
Forgetting the date, time of day, season
Getting lost in familiar surroundings
Having mood swings
Being withdrawn, losing interest in usual activities
Having personality changes
Walking in a slow, shuffling way
Having poor coordination
Losing purposeful movement

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose dementia by:

Getting an extensive medical history from you and your family
Closely observing you
Doing a physical and neurological exam
Doing mental status and psychological tests

There are no blood tests or exams that can definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Certain types of brain imaging such as a SPECT or a PET scan may aid in a diagnosis. Tests to rule out other causes of dementia and other medical conditions that may mimic dementia include:

Blood tests for syphilis , vitamin B12 , folate , thyroid, liver, and kidney function
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the head
PET or SPECT scans—tests that use dyes to measure the activity levels of various areas of the brain (used in some cases)
Lumbar puncture —a test of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lower back; may be done to look for infection or bleeding
Electroencephalogram (EEG) —a test that records the brain's activity by measuring electrical signals from the brain

The doctor will also check to see if you have depression . It can often present like dementia.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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