Steps to Diagnosis

While acknowledging alarming changes in yourself or your loved one can be frightening, seeking medical help for the symptoms of dementia is very important. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s, you should schedule a visit to your doctor as soon as possible. Many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s type dementia are also symptoms of other illnesses which can be treated or reversed.

The following procedures should be carried out by a professional in order to determine the possibility of reversible dementia:

1. Physical Examination
   
   
2. Laboratory Tests: Blood, urine, thyroid, B-12
   • infections and deficiencies can mimic Alzheimer’s symptoms
   
   
   
3. Neurological Examinations:
   • identifies brain disorders other than Alzheimer’s Disease
   
   
   
4. Psychiatric Evaluation:
   • to rule out depression
   
   
   
5. Psychological Testing:
   • Analyzes losses and strengths in cognitive functions such as memory, new learning, language, etc.

Why is an Early Diagnosis Important?

An early diagnosis allows the physician to implement a treatment plan and to follow up regularly to see how the person with Alzheimer’s is responding.

Having a diagnosis gives the person with the disease an answer to why he/she is developing symptoms. Early diagnosis allows the person to be involved in decisions about his or her treatment and future plans. When diagnosed early, the person can begin managing the disease with the best treatments available.

Having a diagnosis helps family members understand why the person’s behaviour has changed. It allows them to begin planning for the future, using support systems and finding methods to reduce stress.