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, have I got dementia? Expand During the early stages of dementia, it can be confused with age-related forgetfulness that we 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 and in the later stages may have difficulty dressing, bathing, walking or recognising family and friends. If you notice significant changes like these symptoms, it is a good idea to have a chat with your GP. It is 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 such a relative does not necessarily mean that you are at higher risk for developing it, as the majority of dementias do not 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 real cure for dementia, however some medications may help relieve some of the symptoms and in some cases slow the progression of the disease.