How Dementia Is Diagnosed Among Seniors?

Many families and seniors feel that dementia can easily be diagnosed by getting the test done. Unfortunately, there is no 100% accurate test to diagnose dementia among seniors. There are plenty of cases where dementia in seniors can only be confirmed with an autopsy. 

It simply means that doctors often have to make a guess and determine if seniors have dementia or not. The doctor takes a look at the medical history of the seniors first and then performs a physical examination. 

The physician may ask you to get some tests on the seniors including speech, coordination, reflexes, eye movement, and others. He may also ask you to get the lab tests done to rule out other illnesses and check various other health issues. 

Mainly, the physician will focus on blood and urine samples. If the doctor suspects vascular dementia, then he may ask you to get a brain scan done of the seniors. The seniors’ mental ability during the tests is also evaluated. 

Here are the mental abilities that might be evaluated by the physicians. 

Memory- The physician may check the memory of the seniors by taking the names of three random objects and asking the seniors to repeat these after some time. 

Concentration- The doctor will also check the concentration of the seniors by asking seniors to perform a simple mental exercise requiring focus and attention. 

Learning- In learning and retention, the seniors may be asked to recall and name the three objects that were said earlier. 

Information- Another test for seniors is where doctors may check if seniors can give correct answers to specific questions such as date, location, events, and other things. 

Verbal communication- The doctor may ask the seniors to answer some open-ended questions to see if the patients can understand and communicate well or not. 

The clock-drawing test, where patients are asked to draw a clock with numbers and hands showing a specific time, is a tool used to assess cognitive problems. Errors in this task indicate cognitive issues that require further evaluation. Doctors also consider information from loved ones or caregivers about changes in behavior or abilities before making a diagnosis or referring patients for additional assessment.