Dementia diagnosis
Diagnosing dementia is often difficult, particularly in the early stages. If you are worried about dementia in relation to yourself, or someone you know, then you should speak to your GP. The GP may then make a referral to a specialist consultant.
Assessments can include conversations with the person being diagnosed and those close to them, a physical examination, memory tests and/or brain scans.
Becoming forgetful does not necessarily mean that you have dementia. Memory loss can be an effect of ageing. It can also be a symptom of stress or depression. In rare cases, dementia-like symptoms can be caused by vitamin deficiencies and/or a brain tumour.
A diagnosis of dementia can cause a range of emotions. The news might come as a shock, or, for some people, it may bring a sense of relief as it provides an explanation for the problems they have been experiencing. It can also have a big impact on family and friends.
If you, or someone close to you, have recently been diagnosed with dementia, you might be feeling angry, frustrated, worried, fearful, sad, embarrassed, lonely, guilty or even relieved. Everyone is different, but all these reactions are possible at different times and they are all normal. How you feel will probably vary from one day to the next.
Information on providers of dementia services is available.