When should I see my doctor?

If you notice that you or someone you care about have had changes in your memory, thinking, behaviour and mood you might start to feel worried. See your doctor for a check-up and explain what you have noticed.

What tests are used to diagnose dementia?

There isn't one single test that tells you if you have dementia. Dementia is a group of conditions that affect your memory, thinking, mood and behaviour.

Your doctor will need to do both physical and mental tests. The results will help your doctor work out what's causing changes in your memory, thinking, behaviour or mood.

The testing process can take time. Your doctor may need to repeat some tests in a few months or a year before you can get a diagnosis.

Personal history

Your doctor will ask about:

• medical history
• medications
• family medical history
• any changes in your memory and thinking

Dementia tends to get worse over time. If you are having tests for dementia, it's a good idea to bring a family member or close friend or with you. They can help explain your personal history and what has changed.

Physical examination

Your doctor may examine you to check for any physical causes of your symptoms.

Neurological examination

A neurological examination checks your nerves by testing your:

• reflexes (automatic reactions)
• coordination
• eye movement
• muscle tone and strength
• speech
• sensation (how things feel on your skin)

Pathology tests

Your doctor may order some blood tests and urine tests. These tests are used to check for causes of your symptoms, such as:

• an infection
• anaemia
• electrolyte imbalance or kidney problems
• liver function problems
• thyroid function problems
• vitamin deficiency

These pathology tests are called a dementia screen.

Cognitive testing

Doctors use cognitive tests to check your thinking, such as your:

• memory
• problem solving ability
• counting
• language skills
• spatial awareness
• concentration

At first you might do a short screening test, such as a mini-mental status examination (MMSE). Depending on the result, your doctor might refer you to other specialists such as a:

• neurologist (specialist in the brain and nervous system)
• geriatrician (specialist in conditions affecting older people)
• psychiatrist (specialist in mental health)
• neuropsychologist (specialist in how brain conditions affect behaviour, mood and thinking)

Another cognitive test is the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale — Cognitive (ADAS-Cog). This test can be used for people with mild symptoms. It takes around 30 minutes and is usually done by a specialist or a psychologist.

Neuropsychological testing

Neuropsychological tests measure your thinking, memory and other skills to help identify specific problem areas. This is a longer test, and it can be quite expensive.

Psychiatric testing

A psychiatrist may check if you have another condition with similar symptoms to dementia. If you have depression, anxiety, hallucinations or delusions, these will need to be treated. Psychiatrists also do specialised dementia assessments.

X-rays and scans

Your doctor may want a scan to look at your brain, such as:

• a CT scan
• an MRI scan
• a PET scan

Brain scans can rule out conditions such as a tumour, stroke or hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain). They can also help diagnose some types of dementia.

Resources and support

Visit the Dementia Australia website to find out more about testing for dementia or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Dementia Australia has information in many languages other than English.

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) provides dementia content in 9 languages: Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi, Tamil, Greek, Vietnamese, Spanish and Italian.

Read a detailed guide to diagnosis, treatment and care for people with dementia in English or Vietnamese.

Dementia Australia has also developed a free BrainTrack app, to help you monitor and understand changes in your memory and thinking ability.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.