Diagnosis typically involves physical and neurological exams, a thorough medical history and mental status evaluation. In many cases, the specific type of dementia may not be confirmed until after the person has died and the brain is examined. Some early signs of dementia include memory loss, confusion about time and place, and mood changes. If you are worried about dementia, please consult your neurologist.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke at NIH, an assessment to diagnose dementia can include:
Medical history and physical exam – Assessment of medical and family history, current symptoms and medication, and vital signs can help detect conditions that might cause or occur with dementia. Some conditions may be treatable.
Neurological evaluations – Assessment of balance, sensory response, reflexes, and other functions help identify signs of conditions that may affect the diagnosis or are treatable with drugs. Doctors might also use an electroencephalogram, a test that records patterns of electrical activity in the brain, to check for abnormal electrical brain activity.
Brain scans – Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect structural abnormalities and rule out other causes of dementia. Positron-emission tomography (PET) can look for patterns of altered brain activity that are common in dementia.
Cognitive and neuropsychological tests – These tests assess memory, language skills, math skills, problem-solving, and other abilities related to mental function.
Lab tests – Testing blood and other fluids, and checking levels of various chemicals, hormones, and vitamin levels, can identify or rule out conditions that may contribute to dementia.
Presymptomatic tests – Genetic testing can help some individuals who have a strong family history identify risk for dementia.
Psychiatric evaluation – This evaluation will help determine if depression or another mental health condition is causing or contributing to an individual’s dementia symptoms.