Diagnosing Dementia

As of 2017, there are an estimated 47 Million people in the world living with dementia. As dementia is not considered a normal part of the aging process, it is even more alarming that the number of people living with the disease is expected to triple by the year 2050. It is a concern for all people, so it's important to understand what it is and how it is diagnosed. 

Dementia can range in severity, but it is usually characterized by either memory loss, personality changes, impaired reasoning, or a combination thereof. A person suffering from dementia may have trouble with language, making good judgments, or learning and retaining new information. It is also characterized by a decline in previous abilities. For example, if someone was a chef for many years, but no longer had the ability to cook, that may be a sign of dementia - so long as there isn't some physical reason for losing the ability, or some other mental disorder, such as depression. 

Changes in abilities can indicate dementia, especially if those changes result in an inability to perform some activities of daily living. A decline in mental faculties may be accompanied by a decline in self-care, such as grooming or nutrition. 

Diagnosing Dementia

Because it can range in severity, dementia must be carefully diagnosed. As a rule of thumb, it cannot be diagnosed in a single visit. The reasoning here is that other medical conditions can produce dementia-like symptoms, such as in the case of urinary tract infections, delirium, or thyroid problems. These causes can be reversible, potentially resulting in also reversing the dementia-like symptoms. A good physician will do multiple tests over multiple visits in order to rule out these contributing factors. 

During the process of diagnosis, the physician will utilize tests in order to assess cognitive ability. The first, preliminary test is the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE). This test focuses primarily on memory and recall. A more in-depth test is the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which focuses on a variety of areas, including visual processing, short-term and working memory, language, and concentration. A combination of these assessments along with other general health assessments will guide the physician in making a proper diagnosis. 

Dealing with Dementia

The process of dementia varies with each individual. In some more extreme situations, placement in a skilled-nursing facility might be best. But for many people, simply an extra bit of help at home can help mitigate the problems. That's where the Caregivers from ACC Adult Home Care come in. We've been providing in-home assisted living services since 2005, ensuring that those who need some help at home are happy, healthy, and safe. Feel free to give us a call at 440.320.3335 for a free consultation and find out if staying at home is best for you or your loved ones.