A dementia diagnosis is a very lengthy process of tests, evaluations, scans, and physical exams to find
what type of dementia a person might have and what kind of treatment plan that person would have to
undergo to lessen the effects of dementia. The first step many doctors take is identifying any underlying
condition related to cognitive difficulties. Once any symptoms and conditions are out ruled, the person
undergoes cognitive and neurological testing, which evaluates memory, problem-solving, language skills,
math skills, balance, sensory responses, and reflexes. Brain scans like CT scans, MRI scans, and PET
scans are also used to identify any possible strokes, tumors, and other brain problems in a person's
brain that might cause dementia. If a person is experiencing behavioral problems or mood changes, they
might undergo a psychological evaluation, in addition to all the other tests, to determine if any
underlying mental health conditions are causing or contributing to a person's symptoms. Some forms of
dementia are also linked to genetic variations in a person's genes, so in these rare cases, if determined
necessary, a person might undergo genetic testing to determine if they have any altered genes that can
cause a person to develop dementia. Some forms of dementia cause a buildup of various proteins in a
person's brain, so cerebrospinal fluid tests are also sometimes conducted to measure the levels of
proteins and other substances in a person's cerebrospinal fluid, which are used to diagnose Alzheimer's
and some other types of dementia if present.
Early detection of symptoms and the type of dementia are
essential, as some causes of dementia can be treated. Also, obtaining an early diagnosis can help families
plan for the future, such as how to manage the condition and what to do in the future if their condition
worsens. The first step to obtaining a diagnosis if you or a family member are experiencing changes in
thinking, memory, mood, or behavior is to contact your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a
neurologist, someone who specializes in disorders of the brain and nervous system. Geriatric
psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and geriatricians are specialists who can also assist in the
diagnosis of dementia for yourself or your loved one.