Signs of dementia include delayed memory recall or the inability to remember recent events. People with dementia may exhibit personality changes or frequent mood swings. They may have difficulty finding the right words to express thoughts and ideas. Other signs and symptoms of dementia include impaired reasoning, inability to complete complex tasks, problems sleeping, hallucinations, exhibiting socially inappropriate behaviors, lack of concern over personal hygiene and problems speaking. The exact symptoms are dependent on dementia type. Various tests are used to determine the specific dementia type.

Dementia Types

There are several types of dementia which include Alzheimer's, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia caused by cerebrovascular disease. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. The different dementia types share many of the same symptoms but involve different treatment regimes. Tests are used to determine dementia type so health care providers can initiate an effective treatment plan.

Testing

It can be difficult to distinguish dementia from symptoms associated with normal aging. Older individuals exhibit many of the same signs as individuals in the early stages of dementia. These symptoms include forgetfulness, inability to retain focus and less efficient memory recall. A physical exam by the primary care physician is usually the first step in the testing phase. In cases where dementia is suspected, lab tests are often ordered. Questions asked during the exam are useful in making a diagnosis. These questions include those covering the patient's family medical history and the patient's personal medical history. The doctor will want to know if there are problems completing tasks or changes in memory. He will inquire about changes in mood, speech or sleep patterns. If the initial exam suggests the possibility of dementia the patient is referred to a specialist. The specialist may use a screening test such as the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to help make a diagnosis. Dementia is not always easy to diagnose, even with tests and screening procedures. The specialist may recommend the patient keep track of his symptoms and return in several months for another consultation. To date, there is no definitive test for dementia. A diagnosis is made based on the presence, severity and frequency of symptoms.

New Developments

Swedish scientists have developed a new molecular test that allows health care providers to predict whether a person with mild cognitive impairment will develop Alzheimer's with 83 percent accuracy. As printed in the March 2009 issue of "Geriatrics" magazine, the Swedish research study involved 750 people suffering from mild forms of cognitive impairment, 529 people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and 304 people used as controls. The scientist used three genetic markers to determine the likelihood that individuals with mild impairment would later develop Alzheimer's. The test is useful as a screening tool but is not recommended for routine use.

Source:

"General Practitioner;" Alzheimer's Test Predicts up to 83% of Cases Early; Tom Moberly; Jul. 24, 2009

"Practice Nurse;" Ask the Experts; Paul Hopper; Feb. 13, 2009

"Geriatrics;" Differential Diagnosis of Dementia; Amanda Focht; March 2009