Diagnosing Dementia
Many older adults obtain a late diagnosis of dementia, and there are various reasons for that: sometimes the patients, themselves, do not notice their difficulties; occasionally, family members interpret cognitive changes as phenomena associated with old age. Although the disease is incurable, early diagnosis is of utmost importance.
Early diagnosis can lead to optimized treatment adjustment for patients, both in managing treatable symptoms, as well as delaying the progression of the disease. The earlier the diagnosis is obtained, the more the quality of life of the patient, family, and friends surrounding the patient can be improved. Furthermore, early diagnosis may delay the use of sedatives, some of which have side effects. Early diagnosis can even postpone the necessity of assisting caregivers at the patient’s home or at the transition from home to hospitalization, as well as making it easier for them in other areas.
It is important to know that many studies are conducted today to find the right treatment for dementia. These studies may lead to innovative therapy methods.
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When should you be tested for diagnosing dementia
When should you be tested for diagnosing dementia
Dementia is characterized by cognitive function impairment, including memory, comprehension, language, perception, and occasionally situational judgment impairment and poor comprehension of social and other situations. Additional symptoms include behavioral changes, functional decline, and difficulties in independent functioning. If you experience some of these symptoms, contact your family physician.
The process of diagnosing dementia
Initial diagnosis of dementia is conducted by the family physician, who will first rule out conditions that cause symptoms similar to dementia, for example, infectious diseases, unbalanced thyroid, vitamin B12 deficit, head injury symptoms, medication side effects, alcohol poisoning, or other addictive substances.
In situations like these, timely treatment of such conditions can reverse the cognitive functions to their former state, completely or partially.
In the following circumstances you may be referred to a geriatric, neurology, or psychiatric specialist:
- Uncertain diagnosis, even after an initial assessment or medical follow up.
- A relatively young age (under 60), or occurrence of dementia of a family member at a young age.
- Treatment difficulty or failure of treatment through dedicated Alzheimer’s disease medications.
- Depression or behavioral disorders, especially after a lack of response to drug treatment.
- An added necessity of caregiving assistance (for example, due to behavioral disorders), or a need to receive support from a family caregiver.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment
A multidisciplinary assessment in the comprehensive geriatric assessment units is one of recommendations for dementia diagnosis. This assessment is conducted by a team comprised of a geriatric specialist, and from professionals in the field of nursing, social work, occupational therapy, nutrition, physiotherapy, and psychiatry, if necessary.
It is recommended to go to this examination with a member of the family, or a close friend, who knows you well.
Dementia diagnosis, including a specialist counselling, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment, are included in the basic health basket provided by the HMOs (Kupot Cholim) under the National Health Insurance Law.
If the diagnosis for dementia has been confirmed, suitable drug therapy will be checked, as well as providing support in various ways, to delay the progress of dementia and balance behavioral problems.
The symptoms can also be mitigated by various activities:
- Sensory stimulation, such as listening to music.
- Cognitive stimulation, such as handcrafts, writing, memory games, etc.
- Physical activity, mild to moderate intensity exercises can help mitigate the symptoms.