If you suspect you or a
loved one might be showing signs of dementia, your first step should
be to see your doctor. It is only through various tests that doctors
can make an actual diagnosis.
Common Signs of Dementia
- These are all common signs of dementia that indicate that it is time to visit your doctor.
- Trouble completing tasks you would usually do, such as at work or around the house
- Listlessness; a lack of interest in things they usually do
- Difficulty following conversations
- Subtle short-term memory changes, such as not remembering the name of a person you know well, or an everyday object
- Changes in mood or personality, such as being very quiet or suddenly aggressive and loud
- Confusion, lack of awareness of what day or time it is, where you are and how you got there
- Difficulty following movies or TV shows
- Getting lost more often, even in familiar areas
Not All Memory Loss Is Dementia
The
good news is that not all memory loss is dementia, and not all
dementia is Alzheimer's. There can be simple lifestyle reasons why
your memory isn't as sharp as it used to be in many cases. Three
leading causes are stress, lack of quality sleep, and certain
medications.
Your doctor can help you with all of these.
There are many effective stress management techniques. Your doctor
can review your sleep habits to make sure your nightly routine is a
good stepping stone to a full night of high-quality sleep. Certain
medications have known side effects of impairing memory. Your doctor
can usually offer alternatives that won't harm your memory and
monitor you to see if your symptoms improve or even disappear.
Early Detection Is Key
As with most medical conditions, early
detection can often be the key to a better outcome than waiting to
see a doctor until things have progressed too far.
Your
primary care doctor will be your first stop. They will run blood
tests and urinalysis to detect any underlying health issue triggering
memory issues. For example, high blood pressure, diabetes, and
thyroid issues can all lead to memory problems. If they discover any
medical condition, it can be treated, and you can monitor whether or
not memory returns.
Being Referred to Specialists
Depending
on what the first set of tests uncovers, a person with memory loss
will usually be treated or referred to one or more specialists. Each
of these specialists can help decide if it is dementia or some other
brain health issue.
Neurologist
A neurologist will
help determine whether the brain's structure is typical and the
degree of cognitive function.
Psychiatrist
A
psychiatrist can help determine whether or not the behavioral changes
that might have manifested are signs of dementia or a mood
disorder.
Geriatrician
A geriatrician specializes in
the medical conditions suffered by older people. They can help
formulate a treatment plan depending on whether or not the person is
suffering from cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer's.
Diagnostic Tests
Each doctor will administer verbal
tests and tests on paper to the patient; these are an established
method to help diagnose dementia. And if dementia is present, the
tests will also determine the decline rate, such as in Alzheimer's.
They might also order CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging tests
to determine if the brain's structure has changed in any way, such as
due to a tumor or a stroke. Your doctor will finally determine a
course of treatment or another plan of action to deal with the memory
loss.
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