Tests for Dementia & Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a type of dementia. The tests used by doctors to diagnose Huntington's disease, and other forms of dementia, are similar.

Dementia

• Dementia refers to a group of symptoms caused by diseases and conditions that affect the brain. Symptoms of dementia may include memory loss, impaired speech and language capability, behavioral disturbances, and hallucinations.

Huntington's Disease

• Huntington's disease is one possible cause of dementia. Huntington's disease is a hereditary illness that causes the degeneration of brain cells. Symptoms of Huntington's disease may include movement disorders, dementia, and impaired balance and coordination.

Diagnosis

• Doctors may diagnose Huntington's disease and other causes of dementia by examining a patient's medical history, performing a physical test, and performing a psychiatric evaluation.

Lab Tests

• Blood tests can reveal the presence of the Huntington's disease gene. Because dementia can have a variety of causes, many tests, including thyroid and glucose tests, liver functioning tests, and toxicology screens, may be performed to determine the cause of dementia.

Brain Imaging

• Doctors may suggest brain-imaging tests, such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), before diagnosing Huntington's disease or dementia.

Considerations

• According to a study conducted by researchers at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, England, and published in 2009 in the British Medical Journal, researchers have developed a new cognitive test, called TYM for "test your memory," which may quickly and accurately detect dementia.