How is dementia diagnosed?

According to www.alzheimers.org.uk: “In the UK, approximately 982,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia. More of a third of people with the condition do not have a diagnosis.” Diagnosis is a life-altering moment in anyone’s life. 

Visiting Your GP
The initial screening will likely be performed by your GP. This is to rule out common ailments and conditions that share many of the same symptoms, such as a Urinary Tract Infection which can also show symptoms of memory loss, confusion and temporary loss of motor skills. 
Your GP will likely carry out a General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition which involves things like asking what day it is today, to remember a name and address, drawing a clock on a piece of paper or talking about something that has happened in the news. 

Here’s an example of the test: https://gpcog.com.au/index/patient-assessment

Detailed medical history assessment
At the assessment you may be asked lots of questions concerning all aspects of your health
- from diet, to exercise, and general medical history. This should be very thorough so expect
to be asked lots of questions that don’t necessarily feel directly connected to dementia. 

Blood tests

• Complete blood count
• Liver, kidney and thyroid function tests
• Vitamin B12 and folate levels
• Hemoglobin A1C (to check for diabetes)

Cognitive tests
You may be asked to take part in cognitive tests to assess your memory, and
communication skills. These tests are designed to help the practitioner. 

Brain scans
These are likely to be either CT scan, MRI or both. An MRI can be frightening - if you’ve never had one before, you might feel easily confused or experience claustrophobia. Here is some
information from the NHS on what it’s like and how to prepare. 

Become a member for free today and visit our local dementia coffee mornings in Kent: www.dementia-experience.co.uk

UK -wide dementia helplines
Alzheimer's Society: Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456
Age UK: advice line on 0800 678 1602 (free)
Independent Age: helpline on 0800 319 6789 (free)
Dementia UK: Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (free)