An Overview of the Diagnostic Process and Examination of Dementia

The issues of forgetfulness and cognitive decline are increasingly prominent problems that affect many people’s lives. People tend to think that memory disorders are an inevitable part of aging; however, in reality, dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, is not a consequence of natural aging. There are numerous causes behind forgetfulness, which are important to uncover, as the treatment for memory disorders of different origins can also vary.

Cognitive decline encompasses a wide spectrum, and a proper medical examination is necessary to establish a diagnosis. Various neurological and psychiatric tests are available to help identify the causes. An accurate diagnosis of dementia is crucial for timely intervention, as early detection can improve the quality of life for patients.

In the case of suspected dementia, therefore, medical examination is essential, during which various tests and examinations are conducted to establish a diagnosis.

Differences Between Dementia and Pseudodementia

Distinguishing between dementia and pseudodementia is critically important, as the two conditions require different treatments. In the case of pseudodementia, memory impairment is often caused by depression, which prevents the patient from properly recalling information. Affected individuals often feel down and disinterested, which also affects their concentration abilities. In contrast, dementia patients generally try to respond to questions, even if their answers are incorrect.

Patients struggling with depression often complain about their forgetfulness and have difficulty solving tasks, while dementia patients frequently deny the problem and try to cover up their shortcomings. Their responses to test questions also differ: while depressed patients often say “I don’t know,” dementia patients tend to attempt to answer, even if they do not know the correct answer. The extent of memory disorders is also experienced differently: in depression, short-term and long-term memory impairment is similar, while in dementia, short-term memory impairment is more pronounced.

It is important to consider the medical history, disease progression, and the patient’s overall condition when establishing a diagnosis, as these can help in determining the correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Examination of Dementia

Establishing a diagnosis of dementia is not a simple task and requires several steps. First, professionals need to determine whether the affected individual is suffering from dementia or possibly pseudodementia. This requires various medical examinations, such as laboratory tests to check blood sugar levels, liver and kidney functions, and thyroid hormones.

Neurological assessment is also essential during the diagnosis, which includes EEG testing to rule out inflammatory processes and sudden-onset dementias. Additionally, MRI or CT scans of the skull can help clarify the diagnosis. The MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) test is also an important tool that helps determine the extent of cognitive decline.

During the MMSE examination, the patient must answer simple questions and solve various verbal, written, and drawing tasks. Lower scores, especially below 15-18 points, may raise serious concerns and indicate that the patient may need assistance with daily activities.

The diagnosis of various diseases classified as dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease, is not always straightforward, and in many cases, treatment options are limited. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for patients.