Diagnosing Dementia

Our overall brain performance diminishes (lessens) with age and it can be tempting to speculate that dementia is just a continuation of the normal ageing process. However, dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It is caused by specific ageing-related diseases that affect the brain.

There are other conditions that can look like dementia such as delirium. Delirium is usually produced by a medical condition. It usually emerges quickly and can be resolved quickly eg. it could be caused by an infection that is treated with antibiotics.

Depression can also look exactly like dementia. Also, a lot of people with dementia in the earlier stages do become depressed and it is important to recognise that as well.

The way that our cognitive function changes over time, mirrors the way our physical functions change over time. As we get older and slower, physically, so our brain functions also get slower to some extent.

There is no blood test or medical testing for dementia. Diagnosis is determined by clinical symptoms including a clinically significant decline in one or more areas of cognitive function such as memory, language, behaviour, personality or emotional function.

Early diagnosis allowed access to appropriate treatment and management of associated physical problems and access to support for patients for family and friends.