Dementia is a condition that refers to the loss of a variety of mental abilities, such as memory, language, thinking, and problem-solving. These changes happen gradually and could eventually get bad enough to interfere with a person’s relationships and daily life.
Each year, around 10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed by doctors. It might be difficult to identify the ailment and its type because it can be brought on by a variety of illnesses that damage the brain.
To receive early care and assistance, a person must receive a diagnosis of dementia. This will enable them to make sound future plans.
The various cognitive evaluation tests that doctors use to identify dementia and other tests are discussed in this article.
Who Needs Evaluation
It is quite normal for one to have mild memory loss due to age and it shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. However, if cognitive issues or memory abnormalities make it difficult for a person to go about their everyday activities, it is important that they visit the hospital immediately.
This may be from a report of the person themselves or their family or friends, even without the individual’s consent.
The Alzheimer’s Association [1] lists a few early indications that might raise suspicion, they include:
- forgetting deadlines and key events
- difficulty remembering things you once knew well and tasks that you used to do consistently
- forgetting whether a family member is still alive
- being lost with names and in one’s own home or neighborhood
- experiencing a personality shift
- depression
- accidents or balance issues
- deterioration of a chronic condition without cause
If you have medicare, you might have a regular screening opportunity to know your condition.