Research: Getting a Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis

Why is a diagnosis so important?

A proper medical diagnosis is needed when anyone develops dementia-like symptoms and does not seem to be getting any better. Diagnosis is important because:

·      It can rule out the possibility that the symptoms have a different cause such as depression or behaving differently

·      It provides the person and their family or friends with an explanation why someone is having memory problems or behaving differently

·      It allows family members, friends and the person with dementia to make plans for the future

·      It means that people with dementia can be provided with support and help

·      Treatments are available that may help some of the symptoms, the sooner these treatments are started, the better

Is there any point in telling the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia?

·      It can be difficult to determine whether a particular individual has Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or a mixture of the two.

·      Some doctors now believe that there is a lot of overlap between the two conditions.

·      It is worth trying to tell the difference because this may affect how someone can best be looked after.

·      If someone has a history of high blood pressure or stroke, or if a brain scan shows evidence of strokes in the brain, it is more likely that the person has vascular dementia.

·      Another characteristic of this type of dementia is a more step-like progression, with the person suddenly developing new or worse symptoms from time to time.

How Alzheimer’s disease is usually diagnosed?

·      A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is usually made on the basis of the person’s symptoms and mental abilities.

·      The doctor will undertake a process known as ‘history taking’, during which he or she will talk to the patient.

·      There may also be a more formal assessment of a patient’s physical and mental condition.

·      It is often difficult to make a conclusive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Reflection
I felt in order to understand dementia, it would be helpful if learnt about how it was diagnosed so I can understand the full picture. Also I know from the interview that there can sometimes be difficulties in gaining a proper diagnosis.