How Dementia Is Diagnosed – What to Expect at Every Stage

Understanding the Dementia Diagnosis Journey

Taking care of a loved one with dementia could also be emotional, depressing and even painful

You can even be anxious about what is going on or where to go. However, the process of looking for a diagnosis is one of the best things you can do. It also brings a sense of clarity and opens the door towards support, and helps you and your loved one plan the future with confidence.

This guide will explain ways of a dementia diagnosis. It accompanies you through every stage, starting with developing the first symptoms and consulting a GP, followed by cognitive examinations and brain scans(such as MRIs), and lastly, getting diagnosed. We’ll explain everything in the simplest and kindest way possible.

You will know what you can expect, how to plan and what questions to ask in the process. And we even provide advice on how you can be the emotional support to your loved one and how you, as a carer or a family member, can take care of yourself in this period too.

You are not alone, whether you are just starting to notice the changes or already searching to find an answer. We offer you great care, clarity, and confidence while feeling supported every step of the way.

Recognising the Early Signs

The term dementia is not a medical condition but a group of conditions that cause damage to the brain, after which the individual would experience a slow decrease in memory, thinking, the words, and even the ability to carry out day-to-day functions.

Due to the fact that the changes usually creep in gradually, it becomes easy to attribute the early warning symptoms to normal old age, fatigue, or stress. 

Recognising the early signs will enable the person and family to be treated early and enable proper planning.

Also, watch out for a pattern of ongoing struggles instead of focusing on one mistake or lapse.

Early warning signs are:

• Often forgetting what has just been said, or the time of an engagement
• Difficulty with listening to or keeping up with conversations
• Losing your way or becoming lost on streets you know very well
• Money management, bill-paying issues or home organisation issues.
• A change in mood, motivation, behaviour or social interactions that can be observed

These symptoms do always vary in each personAlzheimer's, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia are all likely to begin with somewhat different sets of issues. The magic is not the symptom, but the fact that more and more frequently it is interfering with normal life. The first people who notice these changes are friends, relatives and work colleagues.

First Steps: Visiting the GP

When you think that one of your loved ones is experiencing some symptoms of dementia, the best thing to do is visit a GP (general practitioner). It may seem overwhelming, but early medical consultation may translate into faster care provision, proper care provision planning, and improved results.

What to look forward to:

The GP will spend some time during the appointment, questioning you on the changes you have experienced, and when they first appeared, e.g. memory problems, confusion, or a different behaviour. They can also learn to examine the influence of the symptoms on everyday life. Sometimes the GP can administer some short questionnaires or screening measures to test against memory, attention and thinking ability.

It is worth keeping in mind that it is not a test that your loved one can pass or fail. The aim is layman comprehension, not evaluation. In case the individual is anxious, assure him or her that the purpose of this discussion is only to find some answers and encouragement.

Getting ready for the appointment can be helpful:

• Take a list or journal record of what you have seen
• Go to the visit together, when possible
• Report any lines of possible dementia in the family

Not sure how to start the process? We can show you Canadian GPs who are well-versed when it comes to identifying and evaluating the symptoms of dementia, so that your process is already much easier than before.

Medical History and Physical Exams

After the first visit, the GP can prescribe a course of physical tests and examinations to check on other potential causes of changes in memory or behaviour. As a result, there are a considerable number of ailments that may produce symptoms similar to dementia but have a cure after they have been recognised.

General symptoms which can be excluded are:

• Imbalance with the thyroid (insufficient thyroid function)
• Lack of vitamin B12 or folates.
• Depression or anxiety is extreme.
• Infection of the urinary tract or dehydration
• Drugs and the side effects of the drugs, especially those affecting the brain or mood

Such checks are essential. To give an example, a mere vitamin deficiency or a lack of treatment of an infection will cause confusion or forgetfulness, and the restoration of memory and health by treating it may result in the complete restoration of memory and capability. Thus, it is normal that a physical review is one of the very initial steps that are taken after reflecting on concerns.

A GP will normally process a complete medical history to figure out any issues that a person may have at the time, any medicines that the person may be taking and any history in the family. Some of the tests include blood tests that are typically requested to analyse nutritional status, hormonal activity, kidney and liver conditions, and other symptoms that could provide the answer.

It is also possible to check the blood pressure, vision, and hearing during a general health check since they all can affect the thinking, feeling and communication of an individual.

This step may appear rather commonplace, but it helps to make sure that the individual will go through the proper diagnosis and avoid unnecessary anxieties and procedures. It is concerned with developing an understanding of the health status of the individual in totality.

Cognitive and Mental Assessments

After physical causes are taken into account, the GP or a specialist may also perform cognitive testing in order to gain a better insight into the way the individual thinks and reasons, as well as how he or she remembers things. These are brief and casual tests, the purpose of which is to identify a point at which a person is struggling.

Examples of tasks can be:

• Remembering Lists of Words after some delay
• Sketching of a clock to indicate time
• Description of familiar objects
• Giving information regarding the day, whereabouts, or whatever has happened

These activities give an idea of memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and awareness of space.

The frequently utilised implements are:

• MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) is a wide-ranging assessment of cognitive functioning
• MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) is a little more in-depth, used with mild cognitive impairment
• GPCOG (General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition) - intended to use in primary care In primary care In primary care

These tests should not be used without a formal diagnosis. Instead, they assist in defining the necessity of additional specialist assessment or referral.

This is the stage when you should be compassionate and composed. Others can be nervous about their performance. Assure your loved one that there are no correct or incorrect answers. The purpose is to learn how their brain is functioning and what type of assistance could be useful.

Although a simple one, it is an essential component of defining an image of their cognitive well-being and directing the subsequent course of action.

Brain Scans and Specialist Referrals

In case the GP suspects dementia after initial assessments, he or she can forward your loved one to another doctor for a more specific assessment. 

It can include an appearance at a memory clinic or visit with a:

• Geriatrician (a doctor specialising in services to old people)
• Neurologist (mental disorder specialist in the brain and in the nervous system)
• Geriatric specialised psychiatrist

These professionals are knowledgeable enough to conduct more in-depth assessments and explain the outcomes of the tests through the lens of dementia.

Brain imaging can be tried as part of this process to exclude other potential causes of the symptoms and to identify the changes that are likely to occur with dementia.

The brain scans can be:

• CT scan (Computed Tomography): Observes any defect in the structure of the brain
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): It gives an even finer image of brain mass and is capable of identifying minor signs of damage in early stages
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography): Shows the functioning of the brain and can point out some types of dementia

Diagnosing Specific Types of Dementia

Diagnosis of dementia represents a significant event - it can alter the path of a human life and profoundly influence people close to the patient. They are usually a combination of feelings: relief that the answers are finally there, fear of the future, sadness or frustration. All of the reactions are right and natural.

It is more important to know what the diagnosis provides other than the name of the condition. 

A definite confirmation:

1. Directs the way to treatment and support, with medications, therapies, as well as services specifically adapted to the exact form of dementia
2. Assists families in making intelligent decisions, such as those based on care set-ups, to financial and legal planning
3. Enables the diagnosed individual to participate in his or her healthcare decision and to discuss his or her wishes when he or she is capable of doing so

Advice on dealing with this stage:

1. Bring a supportive friend or family member to the appointment to provide support in an emotional and practical way
2. Do not be afraid to request the doctor to explain in slow terms or repeat anything that is not understood
3. Make notes, or request the hard copy of information to aid in memorising the discussion

Next Steps After Diagnosis

This diagnosis sets forth alterations which mark the beginning of a new chapter. In this case, one can start with scepticism, but this can be filled with guidance, organisation and memorable experiences. People with dementia and their family members are able to live full lives and remain independent and orient themselves towards the future with proper support and planning.

Some key things to work on after being diagnosed:

Care Support

At this point, it is good to evaluate the assistance the patient might require now or in the future. 

Examples include:

1. Support for real-life activities: cooking, dressing, or administration of medications

2. Socialising so that one is not isolated but rather engaged in interactions.

Support Network offers a selection of activities and options, based on your loved one's preferences, whether they would like to remain in their own home or to pursue local activities with carers. 

Planning ahead

It is time to finish legal and financial requirements while the person with dementia is still able to make the decisions.

 Consider having:

• Enduring Power of Attorney; 
• Reviewing wills, pensions, and other financial matters.
• Creating an Advance Care Plan to document future medical and personal care preferences

Repeating and trying out these steps might give one some peace of mind to cover any unforeseen situations that may arise later. 

Health and Treatment

At present, it is possible to speak of the lack of agents that prevent the progression of dementia. Certain medications may slow down the progress or alleviate its symptoms.

 It is also important to:

• Undergo frequent health check-ups 
• With a mere change of lifestyle through simple dieting, small-scale activities and brain exercises
• It is a new phase of life, and with empathy and preparation, it could be centred on dignity, meaning and caring.

Living Well Post-Diagnosis

It is possible to have a case of dementia without suggesting that the life of a person remains at a standstill. Having the right interventions, people with dementia would be able to live a mainstream life, build and sustain relationships as a source of happiness and independence.

The greatest difference is having a strong support system. This includes professional care and everyday encouragement from family and friends.

A few cosmetic focus points regularly could develop from confidence and wellbeing.

Daily Routines 

Familiarity is calming. Having set activities in a routine, such as eating at regular hours, finishing rest on time, and partaking in some exercise between certain periods, can somehow reduce bewilderment and anxiety. 

Social Engagement

It is very important to provide for social interactions. These could be regular walks, joining group activities, or simple social interactions with one's circle of friends. Such human contacts lift spirits and even helps maintain communication skills.

Mental Stimulation

The brain can keep itself busy with puzzles, books, music and conversations. Move your family member to keep doing what they like or attempt to engage in some minor new activities with him or her

Support Network can put you in touch with trained independent support workers who offer respite care when you need a break. You may just require a couple of hours each week or need some more long-term assistance, and in both cases, you should not go on your own. It is achievable to live an admirable life with dementia when it is taken with utmost precision and careful steps, and with people around you.

Important things You should Know 

 1. Do we have remedies for dementia? 

Presently, there is no cure for dementia; however, there are many drugs and treatments that are prescribed to aid in the classification of the symptoms or how the disease progresses. 

2. How much time does it take to make the diagnosis?

The time to receive a diagnosis for dementia varies; for some, diagnosis can take only weeks; for others, it can take several months, especially when there are referrals, scans, and so on.

3. What if the person does not want to be tested?

This is common; try to discuss the matter gently and reinforce that knowing what is happening will benefit them and probably prolong their independence.

4. Is it possible to have a second opinion?

Yes. It is not a sin, and neither is the second opinion anything to be ashamed of when you are not sure about the diagnosis and your plan of treatment.

Conclusion: You are not Alone

It is no wonder that when you get a diagnosis of dementia, it can be confusing, as well as the most important step toward clarity, empowerment and effective support. It gives you and your close ones an opportunity to start to comprehend what is going on and start planning the future mentally, medically, and practically. It may be the management of the symptoms or end-of-life decisions, but none of them has to go alone.

You are newly diagnosed, or have already begun on this path and want to forget about it. But please keep this in mind: there is help. You are not expected to do it by yourself. 

We are ready to accompany you on a journey step by step, so that human support can be found in the form of individual assistance, available resources, and a community of kind people who will always find time and fun to care about.