Diagnosis of Dementia

Patients who suffer from dementia experience a loss of cognitive function that can be caused by a either trauma or disease of the brain. Depending on the cause and how early it is detected, dementia may be reversible. Physicians diagnose dementia through detailed questioning and a thorough medical history in order to differentiate between dementia and delirium.

Diagnosing Symptoms

• In order to properly diagnose a patient with dementia, a doctor will check for symptoms such as a decrease in decision making, problem solving, knowledge of time and space, and verbal communication skills. Physical exams, laboratory tests, and cognitive tests can be performed to determine whether or not such symptoms are related to dementia.

Diagnosing Effects

• Various changes to a person's personality and behavior are commonly used to diagnose dementia. Common side effects include social withdrawal, higher frustrations levels, periods of wandering, restlessness, agitation, getting lost easily, and neglecting self care. People with dementia often reach a point where they are unable to perform routine daily activities.

Differential Diagnosis

• "Until recently, the most significant issue facing a family physician regarding the diagnosis and treatment of dementia was ruling out delirium and potentially treatable etiologies," according to Dr. Karen S. Santacruz, M.D., and Daniel Swagerty, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan. This process is known as differential diagnosis.

  A doctor will use a variety of tests, such as physical, cognitive, and neurological testing, as well as an in-depth medical history, to determine whether the patient is suffering from dementia or if it is a case of Alzheimer's or delirium. A doctor has to also determine whether or not the symptoms and effects are caused by normal memory deficit due to age. In some cases, a subspecialist may be needed for further diagnosis.

Treatment

• "Early diagnosis and intervention allow the patient to compensate for the disability, minimize disease-related and medication complications, improve quality of life, and optimize the use of resources," says Dr. Karen S. Santacruz, M.D., and Daniel Swagerty, M.D., M.P.H. In situations where dementia is irreversible, drugs such as Aricept, Reminyl, and Exelon are available to help control symptoms.

Prevention/Solution

• Although the research is unproven, one study suggests that a largely vegetarian diet high in betacarotene and vitamins E and C may lower the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, according to neurologychannel.com. Avoiding drug and alcohol abuse as well as buckling up or wearing a bicycle helmet can also help prevent traumatic and lifestyle injuries that cause dementia.