\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/amp-story-player>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\nWhy Early Dementia Diagnosis Matters: 6 Reasons<\/b><\/h2>\n
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1. Some Memory Loss is Reversible<\/b><\/h3>\n
Not every memory problem means dementia.<\/span><\/p>\nVitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, depression, sleep problems, medication side effects, and some infections can cause symptoms that look like dementia. Hearing and vision problems can also make communication and memory difficulties worse [2, 3].<\/span><\/p>\nSome of these problems can improve when the underlying cause is treated.<\/span><\/p>\nFor example, a doctor may find that a person has a vitamin B12 deficiency or a thyroid disorder and treat it instead of assuming the person has Alzheimer’s disease.<\/span><\/p>\nSome medicines can also affect memory, concentration, or alertness. That’s why your doctor will usually review every medicine and supplement you’re taking.<\/span><\/p>\nSudden confusion is different from the gradual memory changes usually seen in dementia. In older adults, infections and other medical problems can cause delirium, which needs prompt medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\nThe first question should be, “What’s causing this?”<\/span><\/p>\nNot: “Is this definitely dementia?”<\/span><\/p>\n2. Newer Treatments Work Only in Early Stages<\/b><\/h3>\n
Early diagnosis is important because it can help identify treatment options at an earlier stage of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/span><\/p>\nSome newer disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease target beta-amyloid, a protein associated with the disease. Clinical trials have shown that these medicines can slow cognitive and functional decline in some people with early Alzheimer’s disease.<\/span><\/p>\nThey don’t cure Alzheimer’s disease, and they aren’t suitable for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\nThey can also cause side effects, including amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, which may involve brain swelling or bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\nAn accurate diagnosis is therefore important before a specialist considers whether a person could benefit from these treatments.<\/span><\/p>\nAlzheimer’s Society has also highlighted early diagnosis as an important step in identifying people who may be eligible for disease-modifying treatments as they become available. [3]<\/span><\/p>\n3. Symptom Medicines Work Better Started Early<\/b><\/h3>\n
Some medicines can help manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.<\/span><\/p>\nDoctors may prescribe medicines to help manage memory and thinking problems. Other medicines may also be used in moderate or severe Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/span><\/p>\nThese medicines don’t cure dementia or stop the underlying disease.<\/span><\/p>\nThey may help some people with memory, thinking, or daily functioning for a period of time.<\/span><\/p>\nStarting treatment after a proper assessment gives your doctor a chance to see whether it’s helping and monitor side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n4. Time For Legal and Financial Planning<\/b><\/h3>\n
A diagnosis gives families something that uncertainty doesn’t: Time.<\/span><\/p>\nA person in the early stages may still be able to make decisions about finances, property, healthcare, and future care.<\/span><\/p>\nAn Alzheimer’s Society survey of 1,019 people affected by dementia found that 91% saw at least one benefit from receiving a diagnosis. The survey also found that 1 in 4 people had waited two years after experiencing symptoms before seeking a diagnosis. [4]<\/span><\/p>\nAnother Alzheimer’s Society survey found that 3 out of 5 people with dementia wished they had received their diagnosis sooner. [5]<\/span><\/p>\nAn early diagnosis can give families time to discuss legal documents, financial arrangements, healthcare preferences and future care.<\/span><\/p>\n5. Safety: Driving, Money, Medicines<\/b><\/h3>\n
Memory problems can affect everyday safety.<\/span><\/p>\nA person may forget whether they’ve taken a medicine, pay the same bill twice, leave an appliance switched on, or become lost on a familiar route.<\/span><\/p>\nProblems with planning, judgement, and problem-solving can also affect driving and financial decisions.<\/span><\/p>\nAn early diagnosis helps families identify these risks and decide where support is needed.<\/span><\/p>\nIt doesn’t mean that every activity has to stop immediately.<\/span><\/p>\nInstead, families and doctors can look at what remains safe and make changes when needed.<\/span><\/p>\n6. Access to Clinical Trials<\/b><\/h3>\n
An early diagnosis may also give a person the opportunity to take part in clinical research.<\/span><\/p>\nClinical trials often have strict requirements based on the type and stage of dementia. Some may also require evidence of Alzheimer’s-related changes such as amyloid or tau protein.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Alzheimer’s Association lists access to clinical trials and research studies among the potential benefits of an early diagnosis. [2]<\/span><\/p>\nResearch is also moving toward identifying Alzheimer’s-related brain changes before symptoms become severe.<\/span><\/p>\nAccording to Alzheimer’s Society research, it supported the finding that some brain changes associated with dementia may begin up to 15 years before symptoms become noticeable. [3]<\/span><\/p>\nThat doesn’t mean everyone with these early biological changes will definitely develop dementia. It shows why researchers are studying the long period between changes in the brain and noticeable symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\nHow Is Dementia Diagnosed? Step by Step<\/b><\/h2>\n
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1. History and Family Interview<\/b><\/h3>\n
Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed conversation.<\/span><\/p>\nYour doctor may ask:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- When did the symptoms start?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Are they getting worse?<\/span><\/li>\n
- What changes have you noticed?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Has behavior or personality changed?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Are medicines being taken correctly?<\/span><\/li>\n
- How well are daily activities being managed?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Are there sleep problems?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Has there been depression or anxiety?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Is there a family history of dementia?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Have there been previous illnesses or head injuries?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A family member or close friend can be very helpful.<\/span><\/p>\nPeople with memory problems aren’t always aware of every change themselves. Someone close to them may notice repeated questions, missed appointments, unusual spending, or difficulty with familiar tasks [1].<\/span><\/p>\nThe doctor may also ask about everyday activities such as cooking, shopping, paying bills, managing medicines, and travelling independently.<\/span><\/p>\nThis helps determine whether the symptoms are affecting the person’s ability to function.<\/span><\/p>\n2. Cognitive Screening Tests<\/b><\/h3>\n
The next step may involve a short test of memory and thinking.<\/span><\/p>\nYou may be asked to remember words, draw a clock, name objects, follow instructions, answer questions about the date or location, or solve simple problems [1].<\/span><\/p>\nTwo commonly used screening tools are the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).<\/span><\/p>\nBoth use a 30-point scale. The MMSE checks areas such as memory, concentration, and orientation. The MoCA also assesses attention, language, executive skills, memory, and visuospatial abilities [1].<\/span><\/p>\nWebMD notes that a score of 23 or below on the MMSE or 22 or below on the MoCA may lead to further testing, but these cut-offs aren’t a diagnosis on their own [1].<\/span><\/p>\nYour score can also be affected by education, language, hearing, vision, and other factors.<\/span><\/p>\nThat’s why doctors look at the test result alongside your symptoms and medical history.<\/span><\/p>\nIf more information is needed, you may be referred for neuropsychological testing. This involves more detailed tests of different thinking abilities.<\/span><\/p>\n3. Blood Tests to Rule Out Other Causes<\/b><\/h3>\n
Blood tests are an important part of the dementia workup.<\/span><\/p>\nDepending on the person’s symptoms, doctors may check:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Vitamin B12<\/span><\/li>\n
- Thyroid function<\/span><\/li>\n
- Blood sugar<\/span><\/li>\n
- Blood counts<\/span><\/li>\n
- Kidney function<\/span><\/li>\n
- Liver function<\/span><\/li>\n
- Other tests based on medical history<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These tests can help identify health problems that may cause or worsen cognitive symptoms [1].<\/span><\/p>\nFor example, vitamin deficiencies and thyroid disorders can affect thinking and memory.<\/span><\/p>\nSome medicines can also cause confusion or drowsiness, so a medication review is often part of the assessment.<\/span><\/p>\nBut routine blood tests usually can’t tell you that someone has Alzheimer’s disease.<\/span><\/p>\nThat’s different from specialized Alzheimer’s blood biomarker tests.<\/span><\/p>\n4. Brain Imaging<\/b><\/h3>\n
Doctors may recommend a CT scan or MRI of the brain.<\/span><\/p>\nA CT scan uses X-rays to create images of the brain. An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce more detailed images.<\/span><\/p>\nBoth can help doctors look for other causes of cognitive problems, including stroke, bleeding, or a brain tumor [1].<\/span><\/p>\nA PET scan may be used in some cases.<\/span><\/p>\nCertain PET scans can show amyloid plaques in the brain, which can provide evidence of Alzheimer’s disease.<\/span><\/p>\nNot everyone with memory problems needs a PET scan. The decision depends on the symptoms and whether the result would help clarify the diagnosis or treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n5. Alzheimer’s Blood Biomarker Tests<\/b><\/h3>\n
Blood-based tests for Alzheimer’s disease are one of the fastest-moving areas of dementia research.<\/span><\/p>\nSome tests measure beta-amyloid or phosphorylated tau, including p-tau217.<\/span><\/p>\nThese biomarkers can provide information about biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease [1].<\/span><\/p>\nResearch has produced promising results.<\/span><\/p>\nIn July 2019, research from the United States tested an Alzheimer’s blood test in 158 people and reported 94% accuracy in identifying people who would go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease [3].<\/span><\/p>\nIn February 2023, the Alzheimer’s Society reported research from the University of Pittsburgh involving a blood test that detected a specific form of tau from the brain. The researchers reported accuracy ranging from 86% to 99% for detecting Alzheimer’s disease [3].<\/span><\/p>\nResearchers at the University of Washington also developed a blood test that detected a toxic form of amyloid and reported 98% accuracy [3].<\/span><\/p>\nThese numbers come from individual research studies. They don’t mean every Alzheimer’s blood test is 98% or 99% accurate.<\/span><\/p>\nTest performance can vary based on the biomarker, test method, study population, and clinical setting.<\/span><\/p>\nThat’s why these tests should be interpreted by trained healthcare professionals and used as part of a wider assessment.<\/span><\/p>\nRoutine blood tests and Alzheimer’s blood biomarker tests should not be confused.<\/span><\/p>\nA routine blood test may help identify vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid disease. A biomarker test looks for biological evidence associated with Alzheimer’s disease.<\/span><\/p>\n6. Spinal Fluid Test<\/b><\/h3>\n
A spinal fluid test, also called a lumbar puncture, can provide another way to look for Alzheimer’s-related proteins.<\/span><\/p>\nDuring the procedure, a doctor uses a thin needle to collect a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid from the lower back.<\/span><\/p>\nThe sample can be tested for proteins such as amyloid and tau.<\/span><\/p>\nThis test isn’t needed for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\nA specialist may recommend it when the diagnosis remains uncertain or when confirming Alzheimer’s-related changes could affect treatment decisions.<\/span><\/p>\nWhy Dementia Can Be Difficult to Diagnose<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Dementia doesn’t look the same in everyone.<\/span><\/p>\nMemory loss is often an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. But other dementias may begin with changes in behavior, language, attention, movement, or visual processing.<\/span><\/p>\nThere can also be more than one cause at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\nFor example, a person may have Alzheimer’s-related brain changes as well as vascular disease. This is known as mixed dementia [2].<\/span><\/p>\nThat’s why doctors don’t rely on one test.<\/span><\/p>\nA scan, blood test or memory score may provide an important clue, but the final diagnosis comes from putting the different pieces together.<\/span><\/p>\nWhich Doctor Should You See?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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You don’t always need to start with a neurologist.<\/span><\/p>\nA primary-care doctor or physician can begin the evaluation. They can review your symptoms, medicines and medical history, perform an initial cognitive assessment and order basic tests.<\/span><\/p>\nDepending on the results, you may be referred to a:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Neurologist<\/span><\/li>\n
- Geriatrician<\/span><\/li>\n
- Psychiatrist<\/span><\/li>\n
- Neuropsychologist<\/span><\/li>\n
- Memory clinic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
WebMD lists neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, neuropsychologists and geriatricians among specialists who may be involved in dementia evaluation[1].<\/span><\/p>\nIf symptoms are unusual, progressing quickly or difficult to explain, a specialist assessment may be needed.<\/span><\/p>\nSudden confusion is different.<\/span><\/p>\nIf someone suddenly becomes confused, develops weakness, has trouble speaking, loses consciousness, or has another sudden neurological change, seek urgent medical care.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Families Can Do Before the Appointment<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Don’t wait until the appointment to try to remember everything.<\/span><\/p>\n
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