Although it's not a clearly defined disease, dementia is usually diagnosed when a person experiences a steep mental decline that affects their everyday life.It can cause issues with memory and cognitive abilities.It's hard to diagnose dementia, so you'll need to work with a doctor.A friend or family member can administer the Mini-Mental State Exam for a general idea of cognitive function, but the results should be used by a doctor.
Step 1: You can make an appointment with the doctor.
There are tests you can take at home on this page.According to the Alzheimer's Association, these are not a good substitute for a diagnosis from a doctor.
Step 2: Your medical history should be prepared.
Certain drugs can increase your risk.A family history of dementia and other risk factors can put you at a higher risk of developing dementia, though the disease isn't necessarily genetic.It's important for your doctor to rule out conditions that can mimic the symptoms of dementia, such as depression, thyroid issues, and side effects to medications, which can affect your memory and thinking.You may be able to reverse your symptoms if your issues are caused by these conditions.You should give your doctor information about your diet, alcohol use, and drug use.You should bring the bottles of your medication.There are other known medical issues.Changes in your eating habits.Which of your family members have had dementia or dementia-like symptoms?
Step 3: Take a physical exam.
Blood pressure, pulse, and temperature should be included in your physical checkup.Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may perform a variety of tests, including balance, reflexes, and eye movement.They can rule out other conditions that can cause your symptoms and make a more thorough diagnosis.
Step 4: You should take a cognitive exam.
Some of the types of mental exams used to test for dementia are included in this article.State the day, month, and year are some of the questions.At twenty past eight, draw a clock face.Count backwards from 100 to 7s.
Step 5: If necessary, undergo lab tests.
If your doctor doesn't ask for blood samples or other lab tests, you might want to ask about tests that can narrow down the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid hormone tests and vitamins B12 and C.Depending on your medical history, there are many other tests that can be requested, but they are not necessary for every patient.
Step 6: Ask about brain scans.
If the cause of the symptoms is not clear, the doctor may recommend a brain Scan to look for other causes.Many types of scans are used to help diagnose dementia-like symptoms.There isn't a definitive test for dementia.Your doctor will use the brain scans to rule out other conditions.Let your doctor know if you have implants or alterations that can't be removed, such as tattoos or replacement joints.
Step 7: Ask about genetic testing
Even if you have a gene linked to increased risk of dementia, it doesn't mean you will be affected.If there is a history of dementia in your family, a genetic test could be useful.Genetic testing is a new field of research that is rapidly growing.It's possible that your results won't be useful.The test may not be covered by insurance.
Step 8: This is not the only method of diagnosis.
Home tests are not recommended by the Alzheimer's Association.If you can't convince a family member or friend to see a doctor, use this test only.If you have a learning disability, do not take the test if you are not proficient in the language it is being given in.You should visit a doctor.
Step 9: Understand how to take a test.
A person with possible dementia-like symptoms just needs to listen to instructions.A second person reads the steps and asks questions about the person being tested.Take note of how many points the test-taker earns.The scores should be added up at the end of the test.Any score of less than 23 indicates possible cognitive impairment, which could indicate dementia or other health issues.There should be no calendars visible during the test.10 seconds are given to answer each question, with 30 to 60 seconds for questions about spelling, writing or drawing.
Step 10: 5 points for orientation to time.
The person suspected of dementia should be asked the following questions.For each correct answer, score one point.Which year is it?What season is it?Which month is it?What is the current date?What day of the week is it?Who is the president?I don't know who I am.What did you eat for breakfast this morning?What are your ages and how many kids do you have?
Step 11: To place 5 points, you have to test orientation.
In five separate questions, ask where the person is.For each successful answer to Where are you, score one point.What country are you in?What state are you in?Which city are you in?What is the address of this house?What is the name of this building?What room are we in?"What floor are we on?"For hospital patients.
Step 12: 3 points for test registration.
Ask the person to repeat three simple objects, for example, a table, car, and house.You have to say them all together, with pauses in between, and the test-taker has to repeat them back to you all at once.You will ask them to recall these words in a few minutes.On the first try, score one point for each word successfully repeated.Continue repeating the objects until the test-taker succeeds.If you don't score any points after the first try, write down the number of times it takes for the test-taker to remember all three objects.Some expanded versions of the test use this.
Step 13: 5 points for test attention.
The word World is spelled W-O-R-L-D.Ask the test-taker to spell the word backwards.If he succeeds within 30 seconds, he will get 5 points.Medical professionals like to write down the exact response the test-taker gives to the question.It should not be translated into another language.You can try to find a version of the MMSE in that language.
Step 14: There are 3 points for a test recall.
You told the person to memorize the three words.One point per word remembered.
Step 15: There are 2 points for the test language.
Point to a pencil and ask what it is.Point to a wristwatch and ask the same question over and over.One point is scored for each correct answer.
Step 16: The test repetition is 1 point.
The person should say no ifs, ands or buts.If he succeeds, score one point.This step can't be translated directly to other languages.
Step 17: The ability to follow complex commands is tested.
The person is asked to follow a 3-step command.Tell the person to take a piece of paper in their right hand, fold it in half, and put it on the floor.
Step 18: The ability to follow written commands is a part of the test.
Write " close your eyes" on a piece of paper.If you want the test-taker to follow this command, pass the paper to him.If he does within ten seconds, score one point.
Step 19: There is a test for the ability to write a sentence.
Ask the person to finish the sentence.If it makes sense, score 1 point.Spelling errors don't matter.
Step 20: The ability to copy a drawing is tested.
A geometric design on a piece of paper has two pentagons on one corner.Ask the test-taker to make his own copy of the design.If he succeeds in matching two shapes, both pentagons and an overlap that creates a four-sided shape, he will get one point.
Step 21: Check the results.
The test-taker should visit a doctor if they score less than 23.If you don't have medical training in this area, do not try to tell the test-taker what the results mean.The MoCA test can be taken if the results are more than 24.