Diagnosis and assessment
If you, or someone you are close to, have been feeling confused, agitated or forgetful, it may be a good idea to visit the GP. If you are concerned about someone else, you may like to
Diagnosis and assessment
If you, or someone you are close to, have been feeling confused, agitated or forgetful, it may be a good idea to visit the GP. If you are concerned about someone else, you may like to suggest that you accompany them on the visit.
It is possible that these symptoms are an indication of dementia. This term describes a group of symptoms caused by the physical impact of disease or injury on the brain. There are a number of different conditions that lead to dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular disease (including stroke) and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Each person will experience dementia in his or her own individual way, but there will usually be:
- a decline in memory, reasoning and communication skills
- a gradual loss of the skills needed to carry out daily activities
For more information about dementia, see the range of factsheets available from Alzheimer's Society, including Factsheet 400, What is dementia?, 401, What is Alzheimer's disease?, 402, What is vascular dementia?, 403, What is dementia with Lewy bodies? and 404, What is frontotemporal dementia?.
Why get a diagnosis?
A proper diagnosis of dementia is essential, in order to:
- rule out other conditions that may have symptoms similar to dementia and that may be treatable, including depression, chest and urinary infections, severe constipation, vitamin and thyroid deficiencies and brain tumours
- rule out other possible causes of confusion, such as poor sight or hearing; emotional changes and upsets, such as moving or bereavement; or the side-effects of certain drugs or combinations of drugs
- access advice, information and support (emotional, practical and financial) from social services, voluntary agencies and support groups
- allow the person with dementia to plan and make arrangements for the future.
As drugs for treating different conditions become available, it is becoming increasingly important to identify which type of dementia the person has. For example, drugs are already available to treat some people with Alzheimer's disease and some people with dementia with Lewy bodies, but these drugs are ineffective in the treatment of Pick's disease (another form of dementia), and may actually worsen symptoms. See Factsheet 407, Drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Making a diagnosis
Making a diagnosis of dementia is often difficult − particularly in the early stages. A definite diagnosis of the cause may only be confirmed after death, at post mortem or, in very rare instances, through a brain biopsy.
The time it takes to make a diagnosis can vary. If scans and other investigations are requir