He will then ask you a few questions to test your mental state, such as your name and address, where you are and what the date is. Other tasks of mental ability such as counting backwards may be used. The doctor may take some blood to test for other conditions which can make you confused, or order a special sort of brain scan to exclude other medical problems. Alzheimer's disease is the most common sort of dementia and usually the diagnosis is made by excluding other types of dementia. The outlook for dementia is not good.
Some types have a poorer prospect than others.
For example, in Pick's disease the dementia rapidly affects the front of the brain, affecting the personality and behaviour more than memory. Once you know the diagnosis, the best options are continued support from your GP and the Alzheimer's Society. The Society has many areas of expertise for all types of dementia with support such as day centres and specialist nurses. The type of help depends upon your area but may include a sitting or visitor service for those not well enough to be mobile. The specialist may offer memory clinics to help with memory loss.