A.
After the GP has referred your parent to a specialist, they will undergo a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE).  This is a written test to measure attention span, short and long-term memory, the ability to plan and the ability to understand instructions. This will not directly diagnose dementia symptoms but is used as a starting point should your parent need additional analysis.  They will also have a blood test to rule out any other underlying health conditions. If specialists can’t find any other ailments then your parent will be sent for a CT scan to rule out any other conditions.  This is followed by an MRI scan which can directly diagnose dementia by scanning the brain’s structure.