Is It Dementia? How to Recognise the Signs and What to Do Next
Recognising Dementia: Symptoms, Testing, and Early Action.
Concerned about a loved one’s memory or behaviour? Learn the early signs of dementia and how doctors assess and diagnose this complex condition.
You’re Not Imagining It: When Forgetfulness Becomes a Concern
So, you have a loved one, an elderly parent, grandparent, or spouse, and you’ve noticed they’re just not functioning like they used to. Maybe they’re forgetting familiar names, repeating the same stories, getting lost in conversation, or doing strange things like misplacing items in odd places. It’s unsettling, and you may be wondering: Is this just old age, or something more serious like dementia?
Prevention Starts Early: A Healthy Lifestyle Matters
Research shows that following a healthy, balanced diet, drinking enough water, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in both physical and mental exercise can help protect brain health. The brain is a muscle—and like any muscle, it needs regular stimulation.
This includes:
- Brain games and puzzles
- Reading and learning new skills
- Regular social interaction
- Moderate physical activity
While these strategies are especially effective when adopted earlier in life, they still hold value at any age. However, it’s also important to know that early-onset dementia can affect individuals younger than 70, and sometimes even those in their 50s or 60s.
How Is Dementia Diagnosed?
There is no single test to confirm dementia. Instead, healthcare professionals use a combination of assessments to determine whether a person is experiencing cognitive decline, what type it may be, and how advanced it is. Here’s what’s typically involved:
1. Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests
These are designed to assess memory, language, problem-solving, attention, and other thinking skills.
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): A quick 30-point questionnaire often used as a screening tool.
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): More sensitive than the MMSE, especially for detecting early-stage dementia.
- Clock Drawing Test: Assesses visual-spatial and executive function by asking the individual to draw a clock face.
- Neuropsychological Evaluation: A more detailed and comprehensive series of tests conducted by a psychologist to pinpoint specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
2. Medical History and Physical Exam
Your doctor will also:
- Review the person’s full medical history, including current medications, past illnesses, and family history.
- Conduct a neurological exam to check reflexes, balance, coordination, eye movement, and general physical health.
These exams help rule out other medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects that may mimic dementia symptoms.
When to Take Action
If you’re seeing signs of confusion, forgetfulness, difficulty performing daily tasks, or changes in behaviour, don’t delay. Early diagnosis not only allows for better planning and care but may also provide treatment options that can help slow progression in some forms of dementia.
The earlier the intervention, the more options you have.
Questions You May Wish to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
If you’re accompanying a loved one to a medical appointment because you suspect dementia, it’s important to ask practical and compassionate questions that help you understand their current condition and how best to support them.
You might ask:
- What type of dementia are we dealing with, and how far has it progressed?
- What signs should we watch for that indicate worsening?
- Can they still live alone safely, or is assisted care recommended?
- Are they still fit to drive?
- How will this affect their ability to manage finances or take medication properly?
- What lifestyle changes can slow progression?
- Are there medications or therapies that can help?
- What support is available for caregivers?
These questions will help you plan ahead and make informed decisions that prioritise your loved one’s safety, dignity, and quality of life.
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