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With thanks to Alzheimers Society
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Getting a
diagnosis
 If
you are worried about yourself, or
someone close to you, it is worth
discussing your concerns with your
general practitioner (GP). A
diagnosis will help the doctor rule
out other illnesses that might have
similar symptoms to dementia,
including depression. There are
drugs available that appear to
alleviate some of the symptoms of
Alzheimer's disease in some people.
Whether you are someone with
dementia or a carer, a diagnosis can
help you to prepare and plan for the
future.
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Symptoms
Every person experiences dementia in
their own individual way, but there
is usually a decline in memory,
reasoning and communication skills
and a gradual loss of the skills
needed to carry out daily
activities.
If you are feeling confused,
agitated or forgetful, you should
see your GP. If you are close to
someone who is showing these
symptoms, you could suggest that you
accompany them on their first visit.
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The diagnosis process
The GP is the first person to
consult. The GP may then refer the
person being diagnosed to a
specialist consultant. Assessments
can include conversations with the
person being diagnosed and those
close to them, a physical
examination, memory tests and/or
brain scans.
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Conditions with dementia-like symptoms
Becoming forgetful does not necessarily mean that
you have dementia. Memory loss can be an effect of
ageing. It can also be a symptom of stress or
depression. In rare cases, dementia-like symptoms
can be caused by vitamin deficiencies and/or a brain
tumour.
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Dementia
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