Diagnosis of dementia is usually diagnosed when a patient experiences a profound emotional cessation that interferes with their daily life. It causes problems with memory and cognitive abilities, which can be debilitating. Although it is common, dementia is also difficult to diagnose, so you need to work with a doctor. For a general concept of cognitive function, a friend or family member can perform a mini-mental status test, but a doctor can make the best use of the results.
Method 1
1) Make an appointment with a doctor:
There are tests on other sections of this page that you can take home. If you have no other choice, they may give you a little information, but according to the Alzheimer's Association, these are not a good replacement for a doctor's identity.
Prepare your treatment history.
Certain medications and medical conditions, family history can increase your risk, although the disease is not genetic. Depression, thyroid problems and side effects on drugs that can affect your memory and thoughts. If your problems are caused by these conditions rather than dementia, you may be able to reverse your symptoms. Be prepared to give your doctor the following information:
Your diet
Alcohol intake and drug use.
Bring a bottle of whatever medicine you are eating.
Changes in your behavior (especially related to social conditions or eating habits)
Any member of your biologically related family has symptoms related to dementia , if any.
Take a physical exam
Your physical checkup should include reading blood pressure, measuring your pulse and temperature. Your treatment can check your balance, alertness and eye movements or perform various tests based on your exact symptoms. It helps them to get out of other situations that can cause your symptoms and make a more accurate diagnosis.
Take a cognitive test.
A variety of psychological tests are used to examine memory, some of which are included in this article. Some common questions include:
Describe the day, month and year.
Make a clock face at eight o'clock.
Count backwards to 100 by 7s.
Laboratory testing if necessary
If your doctor does not request blood samples or other lab tests, you may want to ask about thyroid hormone testing and vitamin B12 testing, as these are common tests that can reduce the cause of your symptoms. There are many more tests that can be requested based on your specific treatment history, but not necessarily for each patient.
Ask about a brain scan.
If you are showing some symptoms, the cause is not clear, but treatment may suggest a brain scan to explore the possibility other than dementia. CT scans, MRI scans and EEG tests are the most common types of scans that help detect dementia symptoms.
* But keep in mind that there is no specific test for dementia.
Ask about genetic testing.
Genetic testing is controversial, because even one gene associated with an increased risk of dementia does not mean that you will be infected. However, if your family has a history of dementia, especially early dementia, genetic testing may be helpful for you or your doctor.
Method 2:
Taking the Mini Mental Status Test (MMSE)
Understand that it cannot be used as the only method of evaluation.
The Alzheimer's Association recommends using a home trial instead of seeing a physician. Only use this quick, 10 minute test if you do not have access to a doctor or if you cannot convince a family member or friend to see a doctor.
Do not take this test if you are fluent in the language you are being offered or if you have learning disabilities or dyslexia. Go to a doctor instead.
Understand how to take the exam.
The person who has the symptoms, such as forgetfulness, only needs to hear the instructions. The other person reads the steps below, and gives the person the test instructions or questions. Notice how many points you earn for each part of the test section. Add scores to each section at the end of the test. A score of 25 or less (out of a total of 5) indicates potential cognitive impairment, which may be a sign of dementia or other health problems.
No calendars should appear during the test.
Usually 10 seconds are given to answer each question, which includes 30-60 seconds related to spelling, writing or drawing.
Time-tested test (5 digits)
Ask the person with dementia the following questions at a time. Score one point for each correct answer.
What year is it?
What's the weather right now?
What a month?
What's the date today?
What is the day of the week?
Who is the President?
Who am I?
What did you do for breakfast this morning?
How many child do you have and how old are they?
Test Orientation (5 points)
Ask where the person is currently on five different questions. Score one point for each of the following successful answers:
