Having said this, it is important to be able to effectively diagnose dementia. Firstly, it is important to distinguish dementia symptoms from normal cognitive declines associated with ageing. It's essential to realise that just because you can't remember where you put your keys or someone's name is on the tip of your tongue, doesn't mean you have dementia. We all have trouble remembering things at times and some decline in short-term memory as we age is normal. That's why it's important not to jump to conclusions. However, if you have genuine concerns about your cognitive abilities, you should go and see your doctor for a proper assessment. This is the best way to ensure early diagnosis.

Secondly, proper diagnosis is important in order to identify the likely causes of an individual's dementia symptoms. This ensures treatment and management of the condition will be as effective as possible.

For these reasons, we've decided to use this blog to help answer the question, "how is dementia diagnosed?"

Dementia causes

Dementia is an umbrella term used for a range of progressive symptoms associated with a decline in cognitive brain function, that interferes with daily activities.

It can be caused by a range of underlying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular issues, Lewy body syndrome and Parkinson's disease.

Dementia symptoms

Dementia symptoms can include a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and functional impairments. These can include:

• Short-term memory loss

• Difficulties with reasoning and problem-solving

• Language problems including trouble finding the right word and following conversations

• Disorientation

• Difficulty making decisions

• Mood changes

• Shifts in personality and social behaviour

More Information

The best place to go for more information about dementia is Dementia Australia.

Dementia Australia is the leading organisation in Australia providing support, services, and advocacy for individuals living with dementia, and their families. They offer a range of programs, including education, counselling, and practical assistance, to help manage the challenges associated with dementia.

Through research funding, clinical trials and public awareness campaigns, Dementia Australia works to advance understanding and treatment of dementia, while also working to influence public policy and improve the quality of care for those affected.

Types of assessment used to diagnose dementia

Medical history

In order to help diagnose dementia, your doctor is likely to conduct a medical interview to get a better sense of your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may interview you and may also interview a close relative or partner. They are likely to ask you about your symptoms and how long you've had them. They might also ask about recent illnesses or significant life events that might be risk factors and might be causing memory loss and the other symptoms you might have.

Your doctor will also usually request a list of all medications you are taking to check for potential overmedication or drug interactions. In addition, they will ask you about your lifestyle and your family history of dementia.

By understanding the onset, duration, and progression of your symptoms, as well as any genetic predispositions and underlying health issues, healthcare providers can start to determine if you are suffering from dementia. In addition, they can better distinguish dementia from other conditions.

It's also important to remember that multiple illnesses can contribute to dementia and so it's important to identify specific symptoms that can differentiate one illness from another. For example, individuals with frontotemporal dementia may exhibit a lack of social awareness and a preoccupation with eating early in the disease.

Cognitive and neuropsychological tests

Cognitive and neuropsychological tests are an important part of diagnosing dementia. These tests can be written or verbal tests administered by your doctor or other healthcare professionals. They can be used to assess various mental functions, including memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and visuospatial skills.

Common tests include the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), which evaluates general cognitive function, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which is more sensitive to mild dementia symptoms.

Neuropsychological batteries are sets of multiple tests that can provide a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive abilities These include the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB).

Batteries can help identify specific cognitive deficits and distinguish dementia from other conditions, such as depression or delirium. They can also be used to help differentiate between different types of dementia. This is because specific forms of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia have different patterns of cognitive decline that show up in these tests.

Brain scans

These tests can detect strokes, tumors, and other issues that may lead to dementia. They also reveal changes in the brain and nervous system. The most commonly used scans include:

• CT or MRI scans that can detect signs of stroke, bleeding, tumors, or fluid buildup, such as hydrocephalus.

• PET scans that can reveal patterns of brain activity and can identify the presence of amyloid or tau proteins, which are key indicators of Alzheimer's disease.

Laboratory tests

Many medical conditions can cause mental impairment that can resemble dementia. Your doctor might order lab tests in order to try and identify any such underlying medical conditions so they can be treated. Some of the tests include:

• Thyroid hormone tests to check for an underactive thyroid.

• Vitamin B12 blood test to detect vitamin deficiency.

Other lab tests that may be ordered can include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check for infections.

• ALT or AST blood tests to assess liver function.

• Chemistry screen to measure electrolyte levels and evaluate kidney function.

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate blood test to detect inflammation in the body.

• Toxicology screen to test blood, urine, or hair for drugs that could be causing symptoms.

• Antinuclear antibodies blood test to diagnose autoimmune diseases.

• Lead test to check for heavy metals in the blood.

Mental health examination

Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions can also contribute to dementia-like symptoms such as short-term memory loss and changes in behaviour.

As a result, your mental health professional may assess your mental health status to determine whether a mental health condition may be contributing to your symptoms.

Stages of dementia

Dementia is different for everybody, and everyone's experience varies. However, dementia is a progressive condition. This means that symptoms worsen over time and an individual's cognitive abilities will deteriorate.

Dementia progression can generally be grouped into 3 stages:

Mild cognitive impairment

Mild dementia is characterised by cognitive impairment and poor performance on objective cognitive assessments. Unlike more severe forms, individuals with mild dementia retain independence in basic daily activities. However, due to the subtlety of symptoms, dementia may go unrecognized or be mistaken for typical ageing.

Moderate dementia

At this stage, symptoms of dementia are more pronounced and affect instrumental daily activities such as driving and preparing meals. In addition to the symptoms seen in mild dementia, moderate dementia may involve more significant cognitive and functional impairments. These changes often cause distress for both the person with dementia and their family and friends.

Advanced dementia

Advanced dementia is the final stage, marked by significant health and functional decline. This can lead to dependence on others for basic daily living activities like dressing, bathing, and toileting. Most individuals in this stage require extensive care, often provided by permanent residential aged care services.

You're Not Alone. Get Support

If you are concerned about a decline in your cognitive abilities, the first step is to go and see your doctor. Your GP is always your best source of guidance and assistance. They can also refer you to specialists who can help to make a formal diagnosis.

Support workers can alleviate some of the stress associated with a dementia diagnosis by offering respite and assistance with tasks that can be frustrating for you or your loved one. At Focus Home Care, we offer a range of dementia care services, ensuring you and other family members are in great hands.

Get in Touch

Support workers at Focus Care provide comprehensive in-home aged care services to help manage dementia symptoms in older Australians. Our compassionate team strives to understand the person behind the dementia and support their specific goals and needs.

To arrange a free in-home assessment, contact us at 1800 362 871 or submit an online form, and we will reach out to you as soon as possible.