Standard Test for Dementia

Rather than forgetting where he left his car keys, a patient suffering from dementia may forget what keys actually are. There are many types and causes of dementia and doctors have several ways of diagnosing this debilitating disorder.

Dementia Diagnosis

• Mayo Clinic defines dementia as a group of symptoms that impair brain function and interfere with daily functioning. Physicians use lab studies, brain scans and cognitive function tests to diagnose dementia, or to rule out other conditions whose symptoms might mimic dementia (such as diabetes, which can cause confusion).

Physical and Neurological Evaluation

• Besides a routine physical assessment, your doctor will likely review your medications to check for interactions and perform a neurological exam to evaluate balance, sensory function and reflexes.

Laboratory Tests

• Doctors also check blood and urine with complete blood count (CBC), blood glucose check, kidney and liver function tests, thyroid tests, screens for drugs and alcohol, and possibly a spinal tap to rule out brain infection.

Brain Scans

• MRI or CT brain scans can identify strokes, tumors or issues like Alzheimer's disease (the most common form of dementia) as causes for changes in brain structure leading to dementia.

Cognitive Function

• Mayo Clinic advises that anyone screened for dementia also needs tests that measure functions like orientation (to person, place and time), simple memory tests (recall three given words after five minutes) and reasoning and judgment assessments.