Dementia Evaluation
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a gradual onset and continuing decline of higher cognitive functioning. There are multiple types of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia as a whole is a common disorder in older persons and becomes more prevalent in each decade of life. The most common risk factor for developing dementia is age. With an accurate and timely diagnosis of dementia, appropriate therapies can be initiated to reduce further cognitive decline.
What is a Dementia Evaluation?
Evaluating for suspected dementia typically happens in 4 parts
1) A review of medical records and a clinical interview with the person suspected to have dementia as well as involved family members who know them well. This might also include self-report and family report measures of day to day functioning.
2) Neuropsychological testing to determine the presence of cognitive impairment. This is usually a half day evaluation and can occur on the same day as the clinical interview.
3) The neuropsychologist will score and interpret the results of the testing and clinical interview. A report outlining the results, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations will be generated.
4) Feedback session with the person and family. This is typically an hour-long session and allows for review of the results and recommendations.
If indicated, it may be beneficial for the person to come in for yearly “check-ins” which involve brief cognitive screening measures to monitor the progression of the disease.
What is the Difference Between Normal Aging and Dementia?
Some memory loss with age is common and does not necessarily mean the person has dementia. For example, occasionally misplacing an everyday object, occasionally forgetting appointments, or occasionally mixing up family members names. Memory loss becomes worrisome when the person starts to have difficulty solving problems, getting lost or confused in conversation, personality changes, poor judgment such as being easily manipulated by scam artists, confusion about time and location, or difficulty doing every day tasks. If you suspect you or your loved one are having memory problems that impact daily living, getting evaluated as soon as possible is essential to slowing the progression of the disease. Those in the early stages of dementia tend to respond best to treatments.
