When is it time to ask for help?
The go to thought here is 'when the symptoms are impacting upon daily life', so for example, a person may be a bit confused at times but generally managing to carry out day to day tasks. However, if their confusion is interfering with daily tasks such as cooking (for example, leaving the stove on), having difficulty driving (reacting more slowly, getting lost going to a familiar place), not carrying out hygiene needs as often as they once did, often missing bill payments, then this would mean their symptoms are impacting upon daily life.
It's different to what we might look at as 'ordinary' events eg now and then I forget where I parked my car. If this were happening every time I went out in it, I would be concerned. Also, it is good to look at the 'norm' for a person. If they have always lost things all their life, it's not a new sign that they continue to do so.
Basically, we know ourselves and we know our loved ones. Trust your inner instinct and if you feel things are not right, seek advice. An early diagnosis is beneficial and finding alternate causes means treatment can be given so don't leave it too long.
It's different to what we might look at as 'ordinary' events eg now and then I forget where I parked my car. If this were happening every time I went out in it, I would be concerned. Also, it is good to look at the 'norm' for a person. If they have always lost things all their life, it's not a new sign that they continue to do so.
Basically, we know ourselves and we know our loved ones. Trust your inner instinct and if you feel things are not right, seek advice. An early diagnosis is beneficial and finding alternate causes means treatment can be given so don't leave it too long.
First things first - Make an appointment with the doctor
There can be underlying causes for symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, lack of concentration and other changes that we might associate with dementia. For example, depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, menopause, nutritional deficiencies, infections.
What the doctor will be looking at initially is ruling out those other possibilities. This may mean having blood tests, looking at blood pressure, temperature, weight, mental health concerns, hearing etc. The doctor will want to eliminate any such possible causes.
This does take time. No-one wants to be wrongly diagnosed with dementia. It is not a simple one test fits all so expect this to be a long and possibly frustrating journey - probably many months - but a thorough health check up to establish what is causing the symptoms will be carried out.
It's useful to take a list of concerns, of things that are happening and how often. Any lifestyle changes, events such as a loss of a loved one. Any immediate safety concerns such as leaving the cooker on or forgetting to close the front door at night.
What the doctor will be looking at initially is ruling out those other possibilities. This may mean having blood tests, looking at blood pressure, temperature, weight, mental health concerns, hearing etc. The doctor will want to eliminate any such possible causes.
This does take time. No-one wants to be wrongly diagnosed with dementia. It is not a simple one test fits all so expect this to be a long and possibly frustrating journey - probably many months - but a thorough health check up to establish what is causing the symptoms will be carried out.
It's useful to take a list of concerns, of things that are happening and how often. Any lifestyle changes, events such as a loss of a loved one. Any immediate safety concerns such as leaving the cooker on or forgetting to close the front door at night.
Take a Memory Test
There are several 'memory tests' available and the health professional will decide which to use. The tests can give a score. It may be out of 30 or out of 100 and the basis is that, the higher the score the better a person's 'cognition' is. It may be a simple test to start with where for example a hand gesture is asked to be repeated.
Whichever tests are used, they indicate where a person is having difficulty. The score or result does not mean dementia is certain. It is one part of the information gathered to use when diagnosing.
The test may take a while. If you accompany a person who is having one of these tests, it may be tempting to help them answer but please don't as this is likely to result in a score which is not accurate.
Another health professional may carry out the test or it may be done at a Memory Clinic if the doctor refers there. If a type of dementia IS diagnosed, these tests may be repeated periodically to measure any decline or progression with the disease.
Memory Assessment Services
Sometimes called Memory Clinics, these are specialist services that have professionals from various backgrounds in one centre. They will work with you to carry out further investigations, tests, look at your lifestyle, any other health concerns, your family history etc to be able to find a cause for the symptoms.
There may be doctors, nurses, psychiatrists or psychologists, physiotherapists, social workers. Professionals from all walks of life there to help you.
If a diagnosis is given, there will be support available and information on where to turn next. This is a time that can be overwhelming, with lots of information given at once. Take it a day at a time. It's a lot to take in.
There may be doctors, nurses, psychiatrists or psychologists, physiotherapists, social workers. Professionals from all walks of life there to help you.
If a diagnosis is given, there will be support available and information on where to turn next. This is a time that can be overwhelming, with lots of information given at once. Take it a day at a time. It's a lot to take in.
MRI Scan
A scan of your brain may be arranged. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take pictures of your brain. The pictures can show changes and areas of the brain which may have shrunk. These findings will help in diagnosing and monitoring dementia.
The procedure (I speak from experience) is not painful or unpleasant but it is loud inside the machine and hard to keep very still for a long time - it can take about an hour or so. You won't get your results straight away.
Dementia has been diagnosed. What now?
As with any life-altering health diagnosis, this will be a difficult time for many. Everyone is different. I have seen some people honestly not phased by the diagnosis at all. Others find it very hard to accept. Some points to think about:
- You may feel quite alone after the diagnosis. There may have been lots of information given to you and then it seems as if you are left to get on with it. Take some time to digest it. Then, you can look at the support options available.
- You might be worried about telling family or friends. This is up to you. If you tell them, when you tell them. It will help you though to start to gather a support network around you. We all need help when we are dealing with major events or changes in our lives.
- If you are the person diagnosed, consider thinking about your finances, any legal issues such as whether you have a will or power of attorney. Of course this is a long journey and you won't need these things actioned immediately but it is better to address sooner rather than later whilst you are at your most able.
- As the person diagnosed, it is your choice as to the amount of help, support or engagement with others around dementia you want. Some people want to join groups, talk about it, gather facts and information about their condition. Others just want to get on without anything changing. It is up to you.
- If you are a care person for someone diagnosed, you are likely to go through many emotions. You might be overwhelmed about what is to come, not know where to turn for help. Again, there are choices only you can make, about getting support etc. It really is good to talk though. You will find sharing your thoughts and experiences can help you to face the journey ahead.
- For all involved, look at the organisations that can offer you help and support. Contact them. If what they offer is not for you then you can decline their input. At least you will know what is available to you.