How is dementia diagnosed? Expand There are a range of dementia tests and diagnostic procedures that are used to diagnose dementia. This diagnostic process involved talking to the patient and their family, and additional cognitive tests to evaluate short and long-term memory, concentration and attention span. Blood tests and brain scans can also be useful.
I keep forgetting things, do I have dementia? Expand During the early stages of dementia, it can be confused with age-related forgetfulness that we can all experience. With dementia, this memory loss is more significant than forgetting things occasionally and tends to gradually get worse over time. People begin struggling with work or everyday tasks, like paying bills or driving places. In the later stages, they may have difficulty dressing, bathing, walking or recognising family and friends. If you notice significant changes like these symptoms, it's a good idea to have a chat with your GP. It's also important to recognise that there can be many other causes of these symptoms, such as depression, strokes, infections, severe vitamin deficiencies, thyroid abnormalities and even side effects of medications can cause memory difficulties.
Is dementia a natural part of aging? Expand Although dementia usually affects people as they get older, it is not a normal part of aging.
Does dementia run in the family? Expand Dementia becomes more common as people get older and many of us will have a relative living with the condition. Having a relative with dementia doesn't necessarily mean you're at higher risk for developing it, as the majority of dementia types don't have a strong genetic component. However, there are some rare forms of early-onset Alzheimer's and fronto-temporal dementia that are caused by genetic mutations.
What is the treatment for dementia? Expand There is currently no cure for dementia, however, some medications may help relieve certain symptoms. In some cases, these medications can help to slow the progression of the disease.