How is Dementia Diagnosed?

August 16, 2022

What is Dementia?

The National Institute on Aging defines dementia as a loss of cognitive function (1). Generally associated with old age, this condition impacts a person’s ability to reason, remember, or think things through. Dementia is an overarching category, not a specific diagnosis; there are several different types. Most people are probably familiar with Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for between 60 and 80 percent of cases (2). However, older adults may also develop Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or frontotemporal dementia. Experts estimate that around a third of adults over the age of 85 will develop one of these conditions.

What Causes Dementia?

Despite its prevalence, dementia should not be considered a normal part of aging. It occurs as a result of brain cell damage. Disorders in this category are caused by a variety of factors, including blood vessel blockages in the brain, microscopic brain bleeds, and thyroid issues. No matter what catalyzed the damage, the result is the same: disruptions in brain cell communication. When this happens, a person begins to think, feel, and act differently.

Dementia Symptoms

As your loved one ages, you may begin to observe some behavioral changes. Sometimes, these subtle signs indicate the beginnings of cognitive decline. Below are some common symptoms of dementia that you might spot in day-to-day life.

Problems with short- and long-term memory
Difficulty remembering appointments
Losing their purse or wallet frequently
Forgetting to pay bills on time
Struggling to read, write, or express themselves
Wandering and getting lost
Repeating themselves
Taking a long time to complete everyday tasks
Becoming more impulsive
Disregarding others’ feelings
Difficulty following conversations
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinating)

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

Medical professionals use different criteria to diagnose their patients. They conduct a thorough mental status exam, which is then compared with the results of the patient’s imaging and lab tests. Blood and hormone panels help doctors to rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease and diabetes.

Typical mental status exams involve asking the patient:

What day or year it is
To count backward from 100 by 7s
To repeat a series of words
To draw a clock face
Whether they are aware of any symptoms

While several at-home dementia tests have been marketed to consumers, the Alzheimer’s Association cautions against purchasing them. With a lack of scientific validation and a high rate of false positives, these screening kits often deliver incorrect results. The only way to accurately diagnose dementia is to take your loved one to a qualified health care professional.

Treatment and Care

No one wants to hear that someone they love has dementia. However, for many families, receiving a diagnosis provides much-needed answers and next steps. While most conditions in this category cannot be cured, there are a few interventions that may alleviate symptoms.

Medications like memantine (Namenda), cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne), and antidepressants
Occupational therapy to improve home safety, reduce the risk of falls, and teach valuable coping behaviors
Changing the environment: reducing clutter and removing hazardous items can improve your loved one’s ability to focus, function, and avoid injury

If your loved one’s dementia has progressed, their doctor might recommend that you find a local home care provider. These professionals offer a myriad of services, including:

Companionship
Supervision
Meal preparation
Medication reminders
Personal hygiene care
Transportation to and from medical appointments
Feeding assistance
Bathing and dressing
Mobility support
Light housekeeping and laundry
Mental stimulation

If you’re struggling to meet your loved one’s changing needs, or if you want to help them age at home, this can be an excellent option. Care Companions, like the ones at Legacy Homecare LA, keep your loved one entertained, comfortable, and safe.

Compassionate Home Care is One Call Away

For us, dementia care is personal. Our CEO founded Legacy Homecare LA to honor his late grandfather, a WWII veteran who developed Alzheimer’s at age 82. We know what it’s like to need empathetic, qualified home care services. Informed by twenty years of combined industry experience, our leadership has brought together a team of highly trained Care Companions. Together, we deliver the best home care experience Los Angeles has to offer.

To learn more about in-home care for dementia, contact us online or by phone.

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