What are the symptoms of dementia and how do you get a diagnosis?

The number of adults with dementia worldwide is expected to reach 153 million by 2050. Because so many of us are likely to be affected, directly or indirectly, it is crucial that everyone can recognize the symptoms and know how to diagnose it.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a group of related symptoms associated with a continuous decline in brain function. There are more than 200 subtypes of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the largest.

Although most people associate dementia with memory loss, it can also affect the way people speak, think, feel and behave.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of dementia can include problems with memory loss, thinking speed, mental acuity, language, comprehension, judgment, mood, movement, and difficulty performing daily activities.

People with dementia may lose interest in their usual activities or maintaining relationships, may find social situations difficult and may lose their empathy. They may also not fully understand their environment, or find planning and organizing difficult.

The symptoms of dementia usually worsen over time.

How are you diagnosed with dementia?

If you are concerned about problems with your memory and thinking, talk to your doctor.

“They will give you an initial assessment and may refer you to a local memory service,” says Katie Puckering, information services manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK. ‘You will then be given tests that assess your memory and thinking.

“You may also have a scan to check if there are any changes in your brain. If your results show that you have dementia, specialists will discuss the findings with you and you will then have access to the support that is right for you.”

What if you have a family member with memory loss who doesn’t want to go to the doctor?

“Someone may be reluctant to go to the doctor because they are afraid or in denial that there is a problem,” says Dr Hilda Hayo, chief executive of Dementia UK. If this happens, first explain that the symptoms may be due to another condition that can be treated, as this may prompt them to see their GP.

“There are many conditions that can mimic the signs of dementia, such as infection, vitamin deficiency and depression,” says Hayo. “It is often useful to explain that a quick assessment and diagnosis will lead to the right treatment and support more quickly.”

You can also keep a diary of any symptoms over the course of several weeks, Puckering suggests. “Someone experiencing these symptoms may not be aware or forget when these things are happening,” she says. “Some people find it helpful to discuss these changes with their loved ones.”

What do the tests entail?

An initial memory test with a GP is often done with pen and paper and involves a series of questions and tasks, such as remembering a list of words. At the memory clinic, you may undergo more in-depth tests that assess language, visual and spatial awareness, attention level, reasoning, and problem solving.

“Brain scans, such as an MRI, may require you to lie in a scanner for about an hour,” says Puckering. “This is used to identify changes in the structure of the brain.”

Others may be offered a lumbar puncture. This involves inserting a needle into your lower back to collect a sample of spinal fluid.

What if the test results are OK, but you are still concerned?

Diagnosing dementia is difficult, especially because early symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. “But if you or a loved one suspect you have dementia and have not been referred to a memory clinic, you should seek a second opinion,” says Puckering.

Keep track of symptoms. If they worsen or new ones develop, visit your doctor again and inform him of the changes.

How does getting a diagnosis help?

“A timely diagnosis can help the person and his/her family understand which form of dementia they have, how the symptoms affect them and what they can do to cope,” says Hayo. “It also allows the person and their family to seek appropriate support, such as financial help, future planning and specialist advice.”

Although there is no cure, early diagnosis means that the progression of dementia can be slowed in some cases, potentially allowing the person to maintain mental function for longer.

With the right treatment and support, many people with dementia can live active and fulfilled lives for longer. “They may also be able to participate in research studies, such as clinical trials,” says Puckering.

What financial support is available?

If you have dementia or care for someone with the condition, you may be eligible for a number of benefits if the condition affects your ability to work, or if it causes you to incur additional costs. In the United Kingdom, Citizens advice offers free, confidential and impartial advice.

How long can you live with dementia?

It’s hard to predict. It depends on the type, age at diagnosis and whether there are other medical problems.

“The average life expectancy for people with Alzheimer’s disease is eight to 10 years, but for people diagnosed in their 80s or 90s, it is shorter,” says Puckering. “However, some people live longer than others, sometimes fifteen to twenty years with dementia.”

What can you do to slow any decline?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, staying physically and mentally active, eating a healthy diet, and staying in touch with friends and family can help maintain or improve your health and well-being.

How many people have dementia?

In 2019, there were an estimated 57 million cases worldwide.

In Great Britain, 940,000 people are living with a diagnosis of dementia. However, the actual number of people affected is likely higher, as around a third of people with the condition never receive a formal diagnosis. It is the leading cause of death in Britain.

How does that compare internationally?

“The latest available data shows that Britain has the lowest number of diagnosed cases of dementia per capita among the G7 countries, with around 1.4% of the population living with dementia,” says Puckering.

Canada has the second lowest rate (1.56%), followed by the US (1.60%), France (1.85%), Germany (2.03%), Italy (2.46%) and Japan (3.25%).

How can you reduce the risk of dementia?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia. But there is good evidence that a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk.

This means eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level.