Dementia: Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing dementia involves identifying the loss of skills and function patterns, evaluating the activities that are still possible, and reviewing medical history and symptoms. Biomarkers may provide a more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Multiple tests may be needed, as there is no single test to diagnose dementia. Here, you will learn the important factors to consider when dealing with dementia.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose dementia by assessing a person's medical and family history, through physical examination, and by conducting laboratory tests to identify underlying conditions that may relate to cognitive difficulties.

The following procedures may be used to diagnose dementia.

• Cognitive and neurological tests

These tests evaluate mental and physical abilities, including memory, problem-solving, language, math, balance, sensory response, and reflexes.

• Brain scans

These tests can identify strokes, tumours, and other problems that can cause dementia. Scans also identify changes in the brain's structure and function. The most common scans are Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

• Psychiatric evaluation

This helps to determine if depression or another mental health condition is causing or contributing to an individual's symptoms.

• Genetic tests

A person's genes cause some forms of dementia. In these rare cases, a genetic test may help.

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests

Measuring protein levels in CSF aids in Alzheimer's diagnosis.

• Blood test

Doctors can order a blood test to measure beta-amyloid levels in Alzheimer's patients.

Treatment

Dementia treatment involves a combination of medicine and therapy.

Medications can help improve memory in some people with dementia by affecting chemical processes in the brain. Approved drugs for Alzheimer's disease include cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonist, and anti-amyloid antibody. These medicines targets amyloid proteins, which build up into plaques in the brains of people coping with Alzheimer's disease. Although these drugs do not stop the progression of the underlying disease, they may slow it down. Other medical conditions that cause or coexist with dementia can also be treated with appropriate medication.

Additionally, therapy such as occupational therapy is an important part of dementia treatment. This therapy teaches coping behaviours and can also make the home safer. Also, simplifying tasks and reducing clutter can help people with dementia focus and function better.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can help manage dementia. Here are a few things to do:

• Improve communication by speaking slowly.

• Present one idea at a time.

• Encourage people coping with dementia to exercise to improve balance, strength, and cardiovascular health and protect their brains from dementia.

• Engage in activities like dancing or painting with them.

• Establish a calming night-time routine away from noise.

• Keep a calendar to help them remember events and schedules.

• Plan for the future with a care plan considering legal, financial, safety, and daily living concerns.

Alternative Medicines

The following techniques may reduce agitation and help promote relaxation in dementia patients.

• Music therapy

• Exercise

• Watching family videos

• Pet therapy

• Aromatherapy

• Massage therapy

• Art therapy