An Overview of Tests for Dementia
Doctors employ a number of strategies to diagnose
dementia. These strategies may include asking a number of questions, performing a physical exam, and recommending certain tests. Healthcare providers use some of these tests to determine if the person has dementia. They may use other tests to rule out any treatable conditions for dementia, such as
normal pressure hydrocephalus, a chronic subdural hematoma, or vitamin B
12 deficiency.
The specific tests the healthcare provider recommends will be based on a number of factors, including what he or she found during the physical exam and what possible
symptoms of dementia the person is experiencing. Tests for dementia may include:
- Cognitive and neuropsychological dementia tests
- Brain scans
- Laboratory tests
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Pre-symptomatic testing.
Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests for Dementia
Doctors use tests that measure memory, language skills, math skills, and other abilities related to mental functioning to help them diagnose a patient's condition accurately. For example, people with
Alzheimer's disease often show changes in so-called executive functions such as problem-solving, memory, and the ability to perform once-automatic tasks.
Doctors often use a test called the Mini-Mental® State Examination (MMSE™) to assess cognitive skills in people with suspected dementia. This test examines:
- Orientation
- Memory
- Attention
- The ability to name objects, follow verbal and written commands, write a sentence spontaneously, and copy a complex shape.
Doctors also use a variety of other tests and rating scales to identify specific types of cognitive problems and abilities.
