How do you get checked for dementia?

The following procedures also may be used to diagnose dementia:

1. Cognitive and neurological tests. These tests are used to assess thinking and physical functioning.
2. Brain scans. These tests can identify strokes, tumors, and other problems that can cause dementia.
3. Psychiatric evaluation.
4. Genetic tests.
5. Blood tests.

Can dementia start in your 30s?

Dementia is more common in people over the age of 65, but it can also affect younger people. Early onset of the disease can begin when people are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. With treatment and early diagnosis, you can slow the progression of the disease and maintain mental function.

What are early warning signs of dementia?

Although the early signs vary, common early symptoms of dementia include:

• memory problems, particularly remembering recent events.
• increasing confusion.
• reduced concentration.
• personality or behaviour changes.
• apathy and withdrawal or depression.
• loss of ability to do everyday tasks.

Is there a test to see if you will get dementia?

There’s no single test for dementia. A diagnosis is based on a combination of assessments and tests. These may be done by a GP or a specialist at a memory clinic or hospital.

Can you show signs of Alzheimer’s in your 30s?

Alzheimer disease most commonly affects older adults, but it can also affect people in their 30s or 40s. When Alzheimer disease occurs in someone under age 65, it is known as early-onset (or younger-onset) Alzheimer disease. A very small number of people with Alzheimer disease have the early-onset form.

What can cause memory loss in your 30s?

Possible causes of reversible memory loss include:

• Medications. Certain medications or a combination of medications can cause forgetfulness or confusion.
• Minor head trauma or injury.
• Emotional disorders.
• Alcoholism.
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Brain diseases.

How can I test myself for memory loss?

Catch memory problems early, take the SAGE test. The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) is designed to detect early signs of cognitive, memory or thinking impairments. It evaluates your thinking abilities and helps physicians to know how well your brain is working.

What happens if you are diagnosed with dementia early?

However, if dementia is found early, its progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer. Although dementia is not only about memory loss, that’s one of the main signs. Some of the other signs of dementia include:

How do you tell someone you are concerned they may have dementia?

Telling someone you are concerned they may have dementia 1 • Firstly, plan when you are going to have the conversation… 2 • Choose the right environment. Somewhere quiet and comfortable is key. 3 • Decide in advance what you are going to say. 4 • Gently express that you are concerned about them because they haven’t been themselves lately.

Is memory impairment always the first sign of dementia?

Memory impairment isn’t always the first sign, and the type of memory problems varies. It’s also possible to have more than one type of dementia, known as mixed dementia. This involves a notable decline in at least one area of thinking skills, such as memory, that’s greater than the changes of aging and less than those of dementia.

What are the symptoms of Lewy body dementia?

My husband had Lewy body dementia, which is like the worst of Alzheimer’s mixed in with Parkinson’s-like features such as muscle stiffness, tremors, and hallucinations. He went from an IQ of 140 to 80.