Dementia Diagnosis in Family Members
What to do Before/After a Diagnosis of Dementia in Spouse or Parent
Jan 12, 2009
Some memory problems are normal with age but others aren't. When family members notice dementia-like symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline in a loved one, the family member(s) should accompany the loved one to the doctor to seek a diagnosis.
Family Members Must Help with Diagnosing Dementia
If the person with dementia symptoms is having memory and cognitive problems that are noticeable to others, he or she will not be able to accurately report symptoms to the doctor, nor will he or she be able to accurately report or follow upon the doctor's advice. The physician must allow family member(s) to participate.
Benefits of Seeking a Diagnosis in Response to Signs of Dementia in Spouse or Parent
Other medical problems can cause symptoms of dementia, so it is important to rule those out.
- Some, such as hypothyroidism, can be treated and the cognitive difficulties can be reversed.
- Others, such as brain tumors or stroke are serious health problems, that must be treated.
- Dementia-like symptoms might be side-effects from recently prescribed medication.
Benefits to the Family of Diagnosing Dementia Early
If dementia is diagnosed early enough, some medications can help. Although there is no cure for dementia, medication is effective in slowing down the progress of the disease. Sometimes it can prevent the severity of certain symptoms.This is why early diagnosis of dementia is beneficial.
How Dementia is Diagnosed
- The general physician should be consulted.
- A detailed history will be taken.
- A physical exam will be performed, including blood tests.
- The Mini-Mental State Examination is a short question and answer test which will probably be performed.
- Other written questionnaires may be administered.
- Head imaging may be requested by the doctor.
- A referral to a specialist may be made.
How to Emotionally Support a Spouse, Parent, or Family Member Diagnosed With Dementia
Certainly, a diagnosis of dementia will be emotionally difficult for everyone involved.
- Allowing the person with dementia to express his or her feelings and being supportive can help.
- Helping the person with dementia articulate his or her wishes for future care and assuring him or her that family members will be there to care for, help and support the patient can be comforting.
- If the patient is in denial about the diagnosis, and is not ready to face the reality of the diagnosis, it is important not to push. Sometimes denial is necessary for people to cope with difficult issues.
- However, it is important that the family members not be in denial. They must face the fact that dementia is a progressive illness that cannot be cured and plan accordingly.
Two Things to do When a Family Member Receives a Diagnosis of Dementia
- It is important for elder legal and financial matters to be taken care of while the person with dementia is still lucid. This is a good time for all elders in the household to do this if it has not been done already.
- Taking prescribed medication and following up with the doctor will help determine if the diagnosis of the dementia type was correct. It can also slow the disease.
With a diagnosis of dementia, one or more of the well family members will become a caregiver. Learning as much as possible about the disease will help. Joining a caregiver support group can help the caregiver express his or her feelings of loss, fear, and sadness about the dementia diagnosis.
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