Dementia Diagnosis

Featuring Dr. Duncan Miller, BSc, MD

Duration: 1 minute, 52 seconds

There are other types of dementia that are less common, for example, that caused by chronic alcohol use or infection with fairly obscure particles like Creutzfeldt-Jakob's disease.

In order to determine what's going on, in addition to the blood test that I've talked about earlier, your primary health care provider may consider imaging of your brain with either a CAT scan or an MRI to see if there's a physical change in the brain. But it's also important to undergo some testing with different cognitive tests and the most commonly used ones are called a modified mini-mental status exam or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

The one thing that's important to remember about dementia is that there's no cure and this condition gradually gets worse, and not only affects the patient, but their loved one. And the – it's important not only to treat the individual that's affected but all of those around them and have a good support team.

There are several medications that can be used to slow the progress of the condition. So, whereas if you think of it analogously that this is how your brain function might deteriorate without this medication if you had Alzheimer's, using the medication will lessen the decline. But, unfortunately, your brain will continue to deteriorate.

If you have any questions at all about dementia, or if you're concerned that a loved one of yours may be showing signs of dementia, please, contact your primary healthcare provider. Just remember that treatment for your condition will vary with the individual and the condition they may have, so always consult your primary healthcare provider for more information.

Presenter: Dr. Duncan Miller, Family Doctor, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Family Doctor