Alzheimer's / Dementia Diagnosing Dementia: Take Steps Early 2/8/2023 | By Seniors Guide Staff Is that memory lapse a simple sign of aging or a more serious sign of dementia? By taking early steps in diagnosing dementia, an individual can take proactive steps to plan for the future and begin early treatment – or have peace of mind in ruling it out or addressing other issues. Dementia is a serious progressive neurological condition that affects millions of people around the world. affects an individual’s ability to think, remember, and reason, causing a decline in cognitive functioning and memory. It is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. Dementia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis so that appropriate treatment and support can be provided. Early detection is key, as it can make a difference in managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Anyone with concerns about their memory or cognitive functioning should get tested for dementia, as well as those over 65 who are experiencing changes in their behavior or personality. Non-memory dementia triggers include personality changes, mood disorders, and balance issues. The Medicare Annual Wellness visit, which was initiated in 2011 as part of the Affordable Care Act, includes creation of a personalized prevention plan and detection of possible cognitive impairment. Dementia is diagnosed through tests that measure cognitive impairment, including physical examinations and psychological assessments. These tests can help to identify the type of dementia an individual may have and determine the best course of treatment. Additionally, these tests can also provide insight into how far the condition has progressed and what kind of support may be needed for the patient in the future. Types of Tests for Diagnosing Dementia To diagnose dementia, doctors use a variety of assessment tests, including cognitive tests, memory tests, mental health assessments, and informant tools (interviewing families and close friends). Each type of test provides valuable information that helps medical professionals determine if a patient has dementia or another form of cognitive decline. Assessment tools The Alzheimer’s Association lists several cognitive assessment tools that are useful in identifying individuals who might need further evaluation. The GPCOG – General Practitioner assessment of Cognition – is a screening tool for cognitive impairment designed for use in primary care settings. Medical practitioners can test a patient directly or interview a close friend or family member. Mini-Cog is a three-minute test consisting of a recall test for memory and a scored clock-drawing test to determine if a full-diagnostic assessment is needed. Eight-item Informant Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8) helps distinguish between normal signs of aging and mild dementia. This tool assesses individual change and can be administered in the primary care setting. Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) is designed to assess cognitive decline and dementia. It’s important to consider other factors when diagnosing dementia, too, including medical history review and lifestyle factors. A comprehensive medical history review can provide valuable insight into the patient’s condition, while lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, medications, and stress levels can also influence the diagnosis. By taking these components into account, healthcare professionals can make an accurate diagnosis of dementia and provide appropriate treatment. Related: Travel tips for Alzheimer’s families Read More Seniors Guide Staff Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.