Is There a Test for Dementia?
- National Site
- /
- Our Services
- /
- Dementia Care
- /
- About Dementia Care
- /
- Is There a Test for Dementia?
Is There a Test for Dementia?
If you notice you’re experiencing symptoms associated with dementia, it’s important to seek professional advice.
Currently, there is no single test that can be carried out that can definitively confirm a dementia diagnosis. A dementia diagnosis can be given depending on the results of a combination of tests and assessments carried out by a GP or specialist.
;)
How Do You Test for Dementia?
A healthcare professional can carry out tests to assess memory and thinking, referred to as cognitive assessments or mental ability tests to test for dementia. These are conducted alongside other measures such as blood tests and brain scans to give them the results they need to accurately diagnose you. The first step is speaking to your GP as they can carry out the initial assessments.
Initial GP Appointment
If you’re worried you have dementia symptoms, your initial GP appointment usually involves taking a medical history and doing some mental ability tests to get an understanding of your symptoms. They may do a physical examination to find out more about your cardiovascular health or to test balance.
Your GP can also conduct a blood test and send a sample away for testing. This will allow them to potentially find alternative conditions that are causing your symptoms such as thyroid problems.
Cognitive Testing
Cognitive tests or mental ability tests used to diagnose dementia can assess:
- Short-term memory
- Long-term memory
- Concentration
- Language
- Communication skills
- Awareness of time and place
The results of these tests can be affected by many outside factors, so they can’t be used to diagnose dementia on their own. However, they can highlight cognitive difficulties that need to be examined further.
Referral to Memory Clinic
If after completing the relevant tests your GP thinks you could have dementia, they will refer you to a specialist for further testing. This is usually a dementia specialist at a memory clinic.
Your assessment may be similar to the ones you’ve already done at your GP clinic, but will be more detailed. The specialist will gather as much information about your medical history and symptoms as they can in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The specialist may also require a brain scan, physical examinations or other types of tests such as a blood test.
Common Cognitive Tests Used to Diagnose Dementia
A common mental ability test used to help diagnose dementia is the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition, also known as GPCOG. This is a brief screening tool consisting of questions that can help determine if there are any issues with your memory or thinking skills.
There are various other types of mental ability tests that can be used such as the 10-point cognitive screener (10-CS), the 6-item cognitive impairment test (6CIT), the 6-item screener, the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS), the Mini-Cog, or Test Your Memory (TYM).
;)
Can a Blood Test Detect Dementia?
At this time, there’s no blood test available in the UK that can test for dementia. However, blood tests can be used by your GP or another healthcare professional to find out if there are any other causes of your symptoms.
The blood sample can reveal:
- Kidney function
- Thyroid function
- Liver function
- Vitamin B12 and folate levels
- HbA1c (relating to diabetes)
This way, your GP or healthcare professional can potentially find causes for your symptoms aside from dementia, or rule them out to help correctly diagnose you.
;)
Brain Scans and Imaging
Doctors may carry out brain scans and imaging as part of dementia testing. Not everyone will need one, but it may be necessary after other potential causes of symptoms have been ruled out. These scans cannot give a diagnosis on their own but may be used as part of a range of assessments as a way to find other conditions that may explain your symptoms. Brain scans don’t hurt and there will be no recovery time needed.
MRI and CT Scans
Computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most common scans that can reveal changes in the brain.
CT scans use special x-ray equipment and can check for signs of a stroke or brain tumour which could provide an explanation for symptoms.
MRI scans can provide detailed images of the brain and surrounding structures using strong magnetic fields and radio waves.
PET Scans
In some cases, a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan may be necessary if the MRI or CT scan was inconclusive. This is a type of brain scan that uses a radioactive tracer to visualise and measure metabolic activity.
PET scans can show if there are issues with blood flow in your brain. However, most people won’t need this type of scan.
Can You Get a Private Dementia Test?
You can get a private dementia test either by paying for it yourself or through private health insurance.
NHS vs Private Options
The main difference between NHS dementia assessments and private ones is cost. Private healthcare providers have varying prices for dementia testing, while the NHS dementia assessment is free. Another difference is that you are likely to be given an appointment quicker when going the private route and you may be given more convenient appointment times for your schedule.
The private dementia assessment procedure will be similar to or the same as the NHS pathway.
What Private Testing Involves
To find a private specialist or nearby clinic, you can go to your GP for an initial screening and they can refer you if appropriate.
Similarly to the NHS assessment, a private dementia assessment will typically involve a consultation or interview, cognitive and memory tests, and examinations, followed by brain scans and blood tests if necessary.
;)
When to Seek Support
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as memory loss, changes in cognitive ability, and difficulty with communication, which are having an impact on your daily life, you should speak to your GP.
Dementia is a progressive condition and early diagnosis can have many benefits, so don’t put off seeking professional advice.
Preparing for your GP Appointment
If you’re anxious about your initial GP appointment, there are some things you can do to prepare and help it go smoothly:
- It may be helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms and bring it to the appointment to help explain what you’ve been experiencing.
- Think in advance about what questions you would like to ask.
- You can also bring someone who knows you well, who can point out any changes they have noticed and their impact.
- During the appointment, be open and honest with your GP so they can get a full picture of your situation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need information or explanations at any point.
- You or someone you’ve brought along for support can note down any important information or recommended next steps so you don’t forget.
;)
Professional Care and Support
If you’re experiencing dementia-like symptoms and it’s becoming harder to carry out your ordinary daily routine, you may consider homecare as a way to enhance your quality of life.
At Right at Home, our dementia care and support plans are tailored to your requirements and preferences so you only receive the right level of care for you. This means that whatever stage you’re at, your care will be personalised to your specific situation. Whether you need support with personal care, attending appointments, medication, or other day-to-day tasks.
;)
Right at Home’s Dementia Support Programme
If you or a loved one needs support following a dementia diagnosis, Right at Home provides high-quality, professional homecare that enables our Clients to stay safe and independent at home for as long as possible.
Our Dementia Support Programme emphasises Clients' strengths and aims to minimise the impact of dementia symptoms. This approach involves using engaging activities that provide mental stimulation and help ease some symptoms, enabling families to share meaningful moments together.
We offer support not just for Clients, but also their families, helping them learn how to care for someone with dementia at home.
To find out more about how we can support those living with dementia, contact your local Right at Home office.
Find Your Local Office
Want to talk to us about your homecare options?
We’re here to help you live independently and safely at home, with the right level of support at every stage. If you or a loved one could do with support to enjoy life on your terms, please speak to one of our friendly team today.