A Guide to Getting a Dementia Diagnosis
Understanding your next steps
If you're noticing changes in a loved one's behavior, you're likely asking yourself what comes next. Receiving a professional diagnosis is a crucial step to getting your loved one the specialized care they need, but the process can be more complex than you might expect. At Marjorie House, we want to help you understand what's involved in this important first step.
Recognizing the Signs
Dementia can present in many ways, and its symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for normal aging or other health issues. Common signs to look for include:
Short-term memory loss and repeating questions or stories.
Difficulty with familiar tasks, such as managing finances or following a recipe.
Changes in mood or behavior, like increased apathy or confusion.
Keep in mind that having one of these symptoms doesn't automatically mean a person has dementia. A diagnosis typically requires at least two of these core mental functions to be impaired to the point that they interfere with daily life. These functions include memory, reasoning, language skills, and the ability to focus.
The Diagnostic Process
A doctor will begin by gathering a detailed medical history and asking family members specific questions about the symptoms they've observed. After a basic physical exam, the doctor will likely perform a series of tests to get a complete picture of the individual's cognitive health.
Dementia Testing
Dementia Testing
Here are some of the most common tests used to help reach an official diagnosis:
Cognitive Function Tests: These tests evaluate a person's memory, judgment, attention, and problem-solving skills to measure their ability to think and process information.
Neurological Evaluations: A doctor will assess a person’s balance, reflexes, senses, and movement to rule out other neurological conditions.
Brain Scans: Imaging tests like a CT, MRI, or PET scan can help identify signs of stroke, tumors, or other brain abnormalities. A PET scan can also detect the presence of amyloid plaques, a protein often associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Lab Tests: Simple blood tests can reveal other physical problems, such as a vitamin deficiency or a thyroid issue, that could be impacting brain function.
By performing these tests, a doctor can make a more accurate diagnosis, providing a clear path forward for care. If you are concerned about a loved one, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician to discuss your observations and begin this process.
We invite you to reach out to us at Marjorie House to learn more. Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and provide the support you need.
Contact us.
admin@sdr.life
503.474.4222
Marjorie House Memory Care Community
2855 Northeast Cumulus Ave.
McMinnville, OR 97128