![]() ![]() help confirm a diagnosis of dementia and the type of disease causing the dementia.These scans may also be used to check for evidence of other possible problems that could explain a person's symptoms, such as a stroke or a brain tumour. Not everyone will need a brain scan, particularly if the tests and assessments show that dementia is a likely diagnosis. Like memory tests, on their own brain scans cannot diagnose dementia, but are used as part of the wider assessment. Dementia brain scansīrain scans are often used for diagnosing dementia once the simpler tests have ruled out other problems. If your doctor thinks you may have an infection, they may also ask you to do a urine test or other investigations. In most cases, these blood tests will check: Your GP will arrange for blood tests to help exclude other causes of symptoms that can be confused with dementia. Blood tests to check for other conditions Similarly, someone with a higher level of education may achieve a higher score, but still have dementia. It's important to remember that test scores may be influenced by a person's level of education.įor example, someone who cannot read or write very well may have a lower score, but they may not have dementia. awareness of time and place (orientation).These tests assess a number of different mental abilities, including: Most tests involve a series of pen-and-paper tests and questions, each of which carries a score. A common one used by GPs is the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG).Īlthough these tests cannot diagnose dementia, they may show there are memory difficulties that need further investigation. These tests are known as cognitive assessments, and may be done initially by a GP. People with symptoms of dementia are given tests to check their mental abilities, such as memory or thinking. Mental ability tests to diagnose dementia review any medicines you're taking, including prescribed medicines, those bought over the counter from pharmacies, and any alternative products, such as vitamin supplements. ![]() check whether any existing conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression or stroke, are being properly managed.ask how and when your symptoms started and whether they're affecting your daily life.It helps if someone who knows you well is also with you, as they can help describe any changes or problems they've noticed. If you're referred to a specialist, a more detailed history will be taken. These may be done by a GP or a specialist at a memory clinic or hospital. A diagnosis is based on a combination of assessments and tests.
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