Dementia Diagnosis Archives - DementiaHub.SG https://www.dementiahub.sg/what-is-dementia/dementia-diagnosis/ Singapore’s One-Stop Resource Portal on Dementia Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:18:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.dementiahub.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fav.png Dementia Diagnosis Archives - DementiaHub.SG https://www.dementiahub.sg/what-is-dementia/dementia-diagnosis/ 32 32 How is Dementia Diagnosed? https://www.dementiahub.sg/what-is-dementia/how-is-dementia-diagnosed/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 01:51:43 +0000 https://www.dementiahub.sg/?post_type=dementia&p=31306 How is dementia diagnosed? Learn about the variety of tests doctors use to find out whether someone has dementia.

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As a person experiencing dementia-like symptoms, or a close family member or friend of such a person, you may wonder what would happen during a visit to the doctor.  

Join us as we take you through the diagnostic process, where with the help of a team of healthcare professionals, you can better understand these dementia-like symptoms. 

Overview of the diagnostic process

The process consists of a few to several sessions with healthcare professionals. It often begins with seeing a general practitioner (GP) or family doctor at a polyclinic or GP practice. The GP or doctor will conduct an initial screening and consultation. 

The GP or family doctor may then refer the person experiencing dementia-like symptoms to a specialist team, or to specialists such as a neurologist, geriatrician, or psychiatrist for further consultations and assessments over a few to several sessions. 

These sessions include a combination of consultations, detailed history taking, blood tests, cognitive tests, and brain scans to find out whether a person has dementia, and if possible, what type of dementia they have. 

Read more on the various types of dementia.

 

On visits to the doctor, bring a trusted person along

We encourage persons going through the diagnostic process to be accompanied by a reliable, trusted person who knows them well; someone who lives with the person being diagnosed, or family members and friends who are close to the person. This is especially important on the first visit to the doctor. 

This accompanying person can act as an informant, providing important information that may help in the diagnostic process. 

In addition, this person can help the person being diagnosed to follow up with further diagnosis sessions. They can also be a source of support, journeying alongside the person going through the diagnostic process, as this journey can be challenging. 

It is very helpful for persons going through the diagnostic process to bring someone along for their appointments. 

The diagnostic process may include these procedures

1. Interviews

Both the person experiencing symptoms and people who know them well, such as family members, will be interviewed by healthcare professionals such as a doctor or nurse. 

Healthcare professionals will often ask for more detailed information on: 

  • What symptoms the person has experienced, when they were experienced, and for how long. Symptoms may include memory loss, language issues, losing one’s directions, changes in mood and behaviour, and issues with one’s ability to plan 
  • How these symptoms have affected the person’s daily tasks and routines 
  • The person’s background, including medical history, the presence of any behavioural and psychological symptoms, and medications and supplements the person takes 
  • The person’s educational and occupational backgrounds 
 
 Read on to understand the symptoms of dementia.

The diagnostic process will involve interviews about the person’s condition.

2. Tests for other existing medical conditions

To rule out or identify the presence of other medical conditions, doctors would often test for conditions other than dementia. These conditions might cause, contribute to, or make dementia-like symptoms more severe.  

Some of these conditions include mood disorders such as depression; stroke; Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI); neurodevelopmental conditions; delirium; and psychiatric conditions such as psychosis. 

Find more information on other conditions that exhibit dementia-like symptoms.

3. Cognitive screening and assessments

As cognitive impairment is a key symptom of dementia, cognitive and language tests (for example, testing orientation, and short- and long-term memory) are conducted. 

4. Blood tests

Blood tests are conducted to rule out other conditions by testing for markers of other disorders which could be contributing to the person’s symptoms. 

5. Brain imaging

Brain scans are sometimes done after blood tests have ruled out other possible medical conditions. During brain scans, only the person’s head is scanned. 

These brain scans include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT), or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. 

Sometimes, more than one brain imaging scan will be done so that the medical team can better understand the person’s symptoms using the different brain scans’ results. 

The machines used to conduct these different types of scans are all shaped like a doughnut on its side. The brain scan will happen with the person lying still. The procedure will take around 30 minutes to 90 minutes depending on what kind of brain scan the doctor uses. 

In the above image, the patient lies down before the imaging procedure as a healthcare professional prepares him for the procedure. The machines used to conduct MRI, CT, and PET scans are all shaped like a doughnut on its side, like the white, round object in the image above.

The patient or their caregiver should inform the medical team on whether the patient: 

  • Is pregnant 
  • Has claustrophobia, as the machine surrounding the patient’s head may feel like a small, enclosed space 
  • Finds it difficult to tolerate loud sounds, as the scanning machines produce knocking noises periodically when in operation (ear plugs or headphones are offered before the scan procedure) 
  • May not be able to lie still during the procedure

 

If the patient is anxious and cannot lie still for the scan, they may be given a small dose of sedative, which is something used to calm a person down. 

The patient will be taken care of by both a radiologist (a type of doctor who specialises in using medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat conditions) and a radiographer (a healthcare professional who operates the machines making the scans) during the procedure. 

  • Information about MRI, CT, and PET brain scans  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A painless, non-invasive way of using magnetic waves to create images of the brain. 

Preparing for the scan 

As a rule of thumb, patients are not allowed to wear or bring any metal objects into the MRI scan room. If removal of the metal item is not possible, the medical team must be informed immediately. 

It is important to tell the medical team about whether the patient has: 

  • Medical implants (for example, cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers, brain aneurysm clips, metallic implants on their spine or limbs) 
  • Tattoos, which may contain small amounts of metals  

 

Patients will be asked to remove: 

  • Accessories and jewellery 
  • False teeth 
  • Hearing aids 
  • Wigs  

 

The patient will be advised to remove or minimise the use of products such as makeup, nail polish, antiperspirants, or sunscreens, which may contain small amounts of metals. 

During the scan 

The scanning process lasts from 30 to 90 minutes. During this time, patients are to lie still for the MRI images to be taken. 

Computerised Tomography (CT) Scan

A painless, non-invasive way to scan and create cross sectional images of the brain. 

Preparing for the scan 
 
The patient may be advised against eating or drinking a few hours before the scan to ensure that clear images are taken. 
 
In addition, patients should remove any metallic objects that may interfere with the scan. 

During the scan 

The CT scan takes about 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, patients are to lie still. They may be asked to hold their breath or breathe in and out at some points in time. 

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A painless, non-invasive way of creating images of the brain. 

PET works by detecting the radiation produced by a substance called a radiotracer. A radiotracer is injected into a vein in the patient’s arm or hand before the scan. 

In the dementia diagnosis process, PET scans are used to detect the presence of proteins called amyloid and tau. Amyloid and tau build-up happens when a person is developing Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia. 
 
Preparing for the scan 

The patient will be advised to fast for 6 hours before the scan, although they may still drink water. 
 
In addition, patients should remove any metallic objects that may interfere with the scan. 
 
About an hour before the scan, a radiotracer will be injected into a vein in the patient’s arm or hand. Patients will then stay still and relax as the radiotracer travels to different parts of the body.  
 
During the scan 

After the patient has been given the radiotracer and an hour has passed, the PET scan will begin. 
 
PET scans last for about 30 to 60 minutes, during which patients should lie still. 

Where to get more information and support 

Starting the diagnosis process may be daunting, but getting a diagnosis brings clarity to both the life of the person experiencing symptoms and their families. The sooner you get help, the earlier treatment and support for dementia can begin. 

If you or someone you know may have dementia and needs support or information, contact a Community Outreach Team (CREST) to find out more about how to get support, or call Dementia Singapore’s helpline at 6377 0700. 

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]]> My Loved One Refuses to Get a Diagnosis – What Can I Do? https://www.dementiahub.sg/what-is-dementia/my-loved-one-refuses-to-get-a-diagnosis-what-can-i-do/ Fri, 26 May 2023 11:42:06 +0000 https://www.dementiahub.sg/?post_type=dementia&p=26656 If your loved one is displaying possible signs and symptoms of dementia, it is understandable that you would want them to get a diagnosis and seek treatment as early as possible. However, having a conversation with your loved one about the memory lapses and moments of confusion they have been experiencing may be difficult. Often, someone experiencing these symptoms may feel defensive, worried or be in denial.

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If your loved one is displaying possible signs and symptoms of dementia, it is understandable that you would want them to get a diagnosis and seek treatment as early as possible. However, having a conversation with your loved one about the memory lapses and moments of confusion they have been experiencing may be difficult. Often, someone experiencing these symptoms may feel defensive, worried or be in denial.  

In a situation like this, what can you do to (1) convince your loved one to see a doctor and (2) care for your loved one who continues to exhibit symptoms of dementia, in the meantime?

This article highlights the steps you can take to reframe the conversation surrounding getting a diagnosis, as well as the services available in the community that you and your loved one can turn to for assistance until they agree to get a formal diagnosis. 

Reframe the Conversation

Before having another conversation with your loved one, it is important to understand their concerns and the reasons they do not wish to get a diagnosis. Doing this will make them feel included in the conversation and give you a better idea to allay their concerns and assure them that seeking professional help is the best way forward.

Concern: Fear of doctors and hospitals

  • Always use positive language and describe the benefits of health screening in an encouraging manner, rather than catastrophising or using fear to threaten them.
  • You can offer to set up an appointment – but with the added reassurance that you do the screening together. It reduces the stress and anxiety of doing it alone.
  • Finding a doctor that your loved one is comfortable with will also help.
  • Alternatively, you may wish to let your loved one know that they need to go for regular check-up and mention that you have already made the appointment.  

Concern: Afraid of losing their independence

  • Your loved one, especially if they live alone, may be less likely to agree to a diagnostic assessment and more likely to perceive stigma associated with a diagnosis.
  • They may associate having dementia with a loss of activities such as driving and the independence they have been accustomed to.
  • They may be anxious and only think of worst-case scenarios.
  • In such situations, it is important to assure your loved one that there are ways to cope with the changes that may come to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
  • Driving, for instance, can represent independence and freedom for a person. You and your loved one can work together with your doctor to come up with a new driving arrangement that still allows them to drive independently, whilst ensuring their safety and that of others on the road. Find out more here.
  • Additionally, in some circumstances, it is still possible for your loved one to continue living on their own (in the early stages of their dementia). Find out how here.

Concern : Thinks forgetfulness is a normal part of aging

  • Previous studies have shown that a general lack of knowledge about dementia and its symptomology are strong barriers to receiving a diagnosis.1
  • Specifically, an individual’s belief that symptoms of dementia, such as cognitive decline and lapses in their memory, is a normal ageing process may prevent them from seeking a diagnosis and getting more information on the condition.2
  • It is important to intervene on your loved one’s perceptions about getting a formal dementia diagnosis and their misconceptions about dementia. It would also be useful to share the benefits of getting an early diagnosis with them.

Concern: Finances

  • Mention that their MediSave helps to pay for at least a certain portion of selected outpatient treatments such as the management of chronic diseases and health screenings. 
  • Dementia falls under the 23 approved chronic conditions under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP). 
  • In fact, should your loved one indeed have dementia, it would make more financial sense to get a diagnosis because the eligibility criteria for certain financial schemes and subsidies often include being formally diagnosed, amongst other factors. This is to ensure these aids are provided to those who are in need of them.
  • Find out more about the government financial schemes available for persons living with dementia as well as their caregivers here. 

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how best to navigate this conversation with your loved one here.

How Can I Help My Loved One in the Meantime?

At Home

Should your loved one continue to show signs and symptoms of dementia, you may choose to care for them as if you are caring for a person living with dementia. 

This includes designing a daily routine, ensuring that they are meaningfully engaged and educating yourself on the needs and realities of persons living with dementia.

living-with-dementia-book-4-hero

Living with Dementia: Providing Care
Source: Agency for Integrated Care

Living with Dementia: Providing Care is a resource designed for caregivers like yourself to pick up tips on having effective communication with your loved one, how to design a daily routine with engaging activities, and managing dementia as it progresses by stages, etc. This in turn enables you to better cope with your caregiving journey, ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care.

Click here
living-with-dementia-book-1-hero

Living with Dementia: Knowing Dementia
Source: Agency for Integrated Care

Living with Dementia: Knowing Dementia is a resource designed for the general public and caregivers like yourself to learn more about dementia, understand signs and symptoms, learn how to lower risks of getting dementia, on how to start early conversations, and how and when to seek diagnosis.

Click here

In the Community

Understandably, these responsibilities can be rather overwhelming. Fortunately, there are services in the community that can help you, especially in the beginning of your caregiving journey:

1. Community Outreach Teams (CREST)

CREST focuses on raising public awareness of mental health conditions and dementia, promotes early recognition of at-risk individuals, and provides emotional support to individuals and their caregivers. 

How can CREST be of help to you? 

1. Links individuals to relevant health and social care services when necessary. 

2. Conducts meaningful activities to support the clients’ well-being and stimulate their cognitive functions. 

Find service providers near you here. 

2. Active Aging Centres (AAC)

An AAC is a drop-in social recreational centre that extends support to seniors (aged 60 and above) living nearby in the community. 

How can AACs be of help to you? 

  1. If your loved one is at least 60 years of age, they may drop by an AAC near their home and build strong social connections, take part in recreational activities, and contribute to the community as they wish.
  2. Provides and promotes a variety of activities such as karaoke, arts and craft, cooking, and exercise programmes.
  3. Provides social support to seniors through house visits and phone calls.
  4. Provide information on schemes, grants and support.
  5. Raise referrals to appropriate services. 

 
Find an AAC near you here. 

3. Family Service Centres (FSC)

Persuading your loved one to get a diagnosis and dealing with these changes can result in a stressful time for you and your loved one. It may also be the case that your relationship with your loved one and the rest of your family has been negatively impacted by these changes.   

In situations like this, it may be good to seek out social workers and service professionals, who can help families de-escalate risks, meet their care needs, and achieve resilience through the challenges they may face.  

How can FSCs be of help to you?

  1. Information and Referral (based on the assessed needs)
  2. Casework: Providing holistic case management and individual/family counselling. Caregivers of persons living with dementia face unique challenges. Offer a private and safe space for you to share your thoughts and challenges.
  3. Group Work: Bringing families together for purposeful group interactions to address their concerns and bring about positive change.
  4. Community Work: Tap on community resources to help families support and empower one another. 


Find an FSC near you here. 

4. Helplines

A helpline is a fast and convenient way to obtain information and advice. It can also be a source of emotional support when you are in distress.

  1. Dementia Helpline (Dementia Singapore)
    Provides information and service linkages on dementia care.
    Tel: 6377 0700

  2. SAGE Counselling Centre
    Provides counselling to enhance the well-being of older persons and their caregivers, focusing on the psychological and social aspects of health.
    Tel: 6354 1191

  3. Caregivers Alliance Limited Helpline
    Provides emotional support for caregivers who are caring for persons living with dementia and living with mental health issues.
    Tel: 6460 4400

  4. O’ Joy
    Provides English, Mandarin or Malay counselling for caregivers experiencing stress from caring for older persons.
    Tel: 6749 0190

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  1. Benefits of Getting a Dementia Diagnosis 
  2. Where to Get a Diagnosis? 
  3. Starting a Conversation About Diagnosis 

 

References

  1. Fowler, N. R., Frame, A., Perkins, A. J., Gao, S., Watson, D. P., Monahan, P., & Boustani, M. A. (2015). Traits of patients who screen positive for dementia and refuse diagnostic assessment. Alzheimer’s & dementia (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 1(2), 236–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadm.2015.01.002 

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]]> Benefits of Getting a Dementia Diagnosis https://www.dementiahub.sg/what-is-dementia/benefits-of-getting-a-dementia-diagnosis/ Wed, 10 Aug 2022 08:50:01 +0000 https://www.dementiahub.sg/?post_type=dementia&p=2362 Have you or your loved one been living with memory loss for some time? Have you been concerned about whether you or your loved one has dementia? A diagnosis may help address these concerns and reduce any anxiety you may have regarding these symptoms your loved one is experiencing.

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Have you or your loved one been living with memory loss for some time? Have you been concerned about whether you or your loved one has dementia? A diagnosis may help address these concerns and reduce any anxiety you may have regarding these symptoms your loved one is experiencing.

Facing Dementia: Do I Have Dementia? (Ep 1)

Source: Channel News Asia

Documentary tracks individuals who have noticed differences and changes to their minds and want to find out why, and shows the process of undergoing tests for dementia.

Getting a diagnosis is an important first step for both your loved one living with dementia and yourself. It not only provides an explanation to the symptoms your loved one has been experiencing, but can accelerate the process of treatment, seeking professional support and care, and planning for the future.

Gain access to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options

While there are no available treatments that can reverse the cognitive decline that comes with dementia, there are still a variety of medications and psychosocial interventions that can help slow down the decline and help your loved one maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.

Research has also shown that treatments tend to be most effective in the early stages of dementia.1

Begin seeking out support services and financial schemes that are suitable for your loved one living with dementia and yourself

There are a variety of programmes available for both persons living with dementia as well as caregivers:

  • A Network of Care and Support
  • Community Outreach Teams (CREST – Community Resource Engagement and Support Team)
  • Community Intervention Teams (COMIT)
  • Day Care Services
  • Nursing Homes
  • Respite Care

Find out more.

Additionally, caring for persons living with dementia may incur significant medical care costs. Fortunately, there are several financial schemes you may look into to help ease the financial burden and aid you in your financial planning:

  • Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF)
  • Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE)
  • ElderShield
  • CareShield Life
  • Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the
  • Elderly (IDAPE)
  • ElderFund
  • MediSave Care
  • Caregiving Training Grant (CTG)

Find out more about financial schemes here.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for these services and subsidies often include being formally diagnosed, amongst other factors. This is to ensure that these aids are provided to those who are in need of them. It is also ideal to include your loved one in making these decisions when they still have the capacity to make informed decisions.

Help your loved one make the necessary lifestyle adjustments that will enable them to live well with their dementia

If your loved one is still working, they may have to think about potentially reducing their work hours, reviewing their current responsibilities, or speaking with their employer about making other reasonable adjustments at the workplace. In some cases, major career adjustments, such as changing jobs or stopping work completely, may have to be made.

The both of you can also discuss potential safety issues, such as driving or wandering, ahead of time.

Plan for the future of both your loved one and yourself

Following the diagnosis, it is important to review current legal, financial, and care plans, among other important matters while your loved one still has the capacity to make decisions for themselves. It is important to empower your loved one to, through discussions with family and care professionals, determine what arrangements they would prefer during each stage of their dementia. Doing this will also give both you and your loved one peace of mind and prevent future disagreements within the family.

Learn more about advance care planning here.

Loved ones will be better able to support the person living with dementia

Before a clear diagnosis is made, it is likely that you and your loved one may find it difficult to make sense of instances of memory lapses, communication problems and personality changes, which had not been common occurrences before. This lack of understanding often results in frustration and confusion, as both parties may not know how to deal with these changes.

However, a clear diagnosis allows for the realisation that these incidents are, in fact, symptoms of dementia. This makes it easier for your loved one, friends and family, to better understand your loved one’s condition as well as the challenges that come with it.

Learn more about the needs of persons living with dementia here.

Additional Resources

Ask the Expert: Do I Have Dementia? Where to Seek Support?

In this video by the Agency of Integrated Care, watch Emily Ong, Dementia Advocate, share her story on the motivations of getting a diagnosis.

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References
  1. Prince, M., Bryce, R., Ferri, C., World Alzheimer report 2011: the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention. Alzheimer’s Disease International (2011). https://www.alzint.org/u/WorldAlzheimerReport2011.pdf

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]]> Where to Get a Diagnosis? https://www.dementiahub.sg/what-is-dementia/where-to-get-a-diagnosis/ Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:36:11 +0000 https://www.dementiahub.sg/?post_type=dementia&p=1023 Diagnosis can be conducted at several places including the hospitals listed below and certified general practitioners’ clinics.
You may obtain a professional diagnosis by approaching the places below:
General Practitioners

You can approach local General practitioners (GPs) who are certified to support and provide mental health assessments and diagnosis.

A recommended list of certified GPs can be found at Pg. 83 to 86 in ‘A Resource Kit for Caregivers’ by AIC.

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Getting a formal diagnosis for dementia is important and often required for a person living with dementia to apply for treatments, dementia care services and assistance schemes. Here is a compiled directory of places and hotlines you can contact to get assessed for dementia.

Ask the Expert: Episode 1 -Do I Have Dementia? Where to Seek Support?

Source: Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)

In this first of a 6-part series “All About Dementia – Ask the Experts”, Dr Chen Shiling and Ms Emily Ong answer questions related to dementia diagnosis and treatment, including when you should consider getting a diagnosis and where you can seek support through and after the diagnosis process.

Diagnosis can be conducted at several places including the hospitals listed below and certified general practitioners’ clinics.

You may obtain a professional diagnosis through any of the medical facilities listed below:

Memory Clinics

You may contact any of the memory clinics in Singapore below.
  • Tan Tock Seng Hospital
    Geriatric Medicine Clinic [Basement 1]
    11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
    Singapore 308433
    Tel: 6359 6100
  • Institute of Mental Health
    Psychogeriatric Clinic
    10 Buangkok View
    Singapore 539747
    Tel: 6389 2200
    *See ‘Downloadable Resources’ below
  • National University Hospital
    Neuroscience Clinic
    5b Lower Kent Ridge Road
    Singapore 119074
    Tel: 6772 4850
  • Changi General Hospital
    Geriatric Clinic
    2 Simei Street 3
    Singapore 529889
    Tel: 6426 8410
  • Ng Teng Fong Hospital
    Geriatric Medicine 1
    Jurong East Street 21
    Singapore 609606
    Tel: 6908 2222 or use the NUHS application
  • Singapore General Hospital
    Department of Neurology
    Outram Road
    Singapore 169036
    Tel: 6321 4377
    Email: appointments@sgh.com.sg
  • NNI @ TTSH Campus
    Neuroscience Clinic, Level 1
    National Neuroscience Institute
    11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
    Singapore 308433
    Tel: 6330 6363
    Email: appointments@nni.com.sg

Polyclinics

You can approach Polyclinics to provide the necessary assessments for diagnosis.

You may also approach a Community Outreach Team (CREST) or Community Intervention Team (COMIT) for screening, intervention and caregiver support.

A list of polyclinics, CREST and COMIT teams can be found in the Mind Matters Resource Directory by AIC.

Helplines

You can call the following helplines for more information.

  1. Dementia Helpline by Dementia Singapore: 6377 0700
  2. Agency for Integrated Care Hotline: 1800-650-6060
  3. HealthLine by Health Promotion Board (HPB): 1800-223-1313

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]]> Starting a Conversation About Diagnosis https://www.dementiahub.sg/what-is-dementia/starting-a-conversation-about-diagnosis/ Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:34:17 +0000 https://www.dementiahub.sg/?post_type=dementia&p=1022 If you suspect your loved one is displaying the signs and symptoms of dementia, you should encourage him or her to get properly diagnosed and treated. However, starting a conversation with someone on this sensitive issue may not be easy. This article will first provide a short guide to how to start a conversation with a person living with dementia about getting a diagnosis, and then detail some guiding points about how to navigate these conversations.

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If you suspect your loved one is displaying the signs and symptoms of dementia, you should encourage him or her to get properly diagnosed and treated. However, starting a conversation with someone on this sensitive issue may not be easy.

This article will first provide a short guide to how to start a conversation with a person living with dementia about getting a diagnosis, and then detail some guiding points about how to navigate these conversations.

A Short Guide to Starting a Conversation About Getting a Diagnosis

To encourage someone to talk when you’re worried about how their memory loss has affected them, you can:

  1. Have the conversation in a familiar and relaxing place.
  2. Cite examples of their behaviour to initiate awareness.
  3. Have a frank conversation to discuss their needs and issues.

You do not need to get the person to agree to visit a doctor for a diagnosis in just one session. This is a difficult development to process, so it may take some time for the person to accept it.

Here are some questions that you may use to start the conversation:

  • You seem worried; how can I help?
  • You don’t seem yourself today, how are you feeling?
  • Are you ok? You seem to be concerned about something.

Being diagnosed with dementia may come as a surprise to someone at first. However, with a clear diagnosis, persons living with dementia can get the information, treatment, management, and support needed to manage the symptoms.

Depending on the person’s comfort level, sharing concerns with family members early in the conversation can:

  • Coax the person to obtain a diagnosis and seek support.
  • Prepare family members early for the caregiving role.
  • Help both the person and caregiver(s) to plan for the future.

The First Hurdle

Our first reactions upon receiving bad news are often to feel worried or helpless, or to lapse into denial. The mild and progressive nature of dementia also makes it convenient for people to brush off the symptoms as either a natural byproduct of ageing or a minor inconvenience. Any talk of it being a sign of something ominous or as a possible symptom of dementia is dismissed or explained away. Frequently misplacing things around the house may spark the response “I’m so forgetful”, and an older person’s mood swings may appear to some as them simply being unreasonable or seeking attention.

Rather than wait for a ‘defining incident’ to give dementia significance, put the truth gently to them. Cease making excuses for them and trivialising the signs. Without pointing out all the signs and symptoms you observe, try to help them connect the dots. With the intention to guide them towards early detection and diagnosis, subtly provide information on the symptoms of dementia that may gradually reveal to them what they might be trying to deny.

Seize The Opportunity

Often, the person’s reluctance to see a doctor is a result of fear, denial, or a desire to hold on to their decision-making abilities for as long as they are able to do so. Acknowledge their emotions and fears. Give them the room to embrace their true emotions but make use of opportunities to bring them to the doctor. For example, if they have been expressing concerns about cognitive symptoms or other health symptoms they acknowledge, you could take these opportunities to encourage them to go for a doctor’s consultation where dementia-related symptoms could be raised.

Reframe Your Approach

Knowing the barriers holding your loved one back from getting an early diagnosis is not sufficient. Ease their concerns by exploring these barriers with them and try to empathise with their emotions while providing reassurance. Share that seeing a doctor is the best course forward for them.

Instead of repeatedly emphasising the importance of early diagnosis, try asking them for a favour. Sometimes, loved ones will do something for others that they would not do for themselves. Making a doctor’s appointment a favour they can do for you may prove to be a good strategy. Reframing the purpose of the visit will help to provide clarity and make things less intimidating for your loved ones with dementia. 

According to Diana Kerwin, MD, chief of geriatrics at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and the director of Texas Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders, it helps for family members of persons who may have dementia to treat a doctor’s appointment as another preventive medicine visit like a colonoscopy or bone density testing. This appointment could also be described as a brain check-up.2

No one wants to see a loved one diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. But the sooner they get it checked, the earlier care and support can be rendered. On the flip side, it can be even more comforting should the check-up show nothing out of order. What is certain is that one never loses out by getting themselves checked – and it all begins with a trip to the doctor.

If you are experiencing difficulty getting your loved one, who is suspected of dementia, to get a diagnosis, watch Dr Joshua Kua’s advice on how to encourage him/her to seek help:

Source: Agency for Integrated Care

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1. Who Can Diagnose Dementia?
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3. Employment for Persons With Young-Onset Dementia

References
  1. Agency for Integrated Care. (n.d.). Living with Dementia, A Resource Kit for Caregivers, Knowing Dementia. https://www.aic.sg/resources/Documents/Brochures/Mental%20Health/4%20Books/Book%201%20-%20KNOWING%20DEMENTIA.pdf
  2. Johnson, L. (April 18, 2019). Dementia Care: Navigating a Doctor’s Visit with Your Loved One. Retrieved May 4, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/dementia-care-visiting-the-doctor-with-your-loved-one
  3. Dementia Singapore. (2017, October 24). Dealing with Dementia: The First Step. https://dementia.org.sg/2017/10/24/dealing-with-dementia-the-first-step/

The post Starting a Conversation About Diagnosis appeared first on DementiaHub.SG.

]]> Who Can Diagnose Dementia? https://www.dementiahub.sg/what-is-dementia/who-can-diagnose-dementia/ Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:23:35 +0000 https://www.dementiahub.sg/?post_type=dementia&p=1016 Screening persons for dementia and a diagnosis of dementia are two different things.
Screening for dementia with tools like the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) cannot be used to diagnose a person with dementia. They are instead used to spot some obvious symptoms of dementia in persons being screened, after which persons who have been identified with dementia symptoms may be encouraged to consult a doctor for further testing.

The post Who Can Diagnose Dementia? appeared first on DementiaHub.SG.

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Screening vs Diagnosis

Screening persons for dementia and a diagnosis of dementia are two different things.

Screening for dementia with tools like the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) cannot be used to diagnose a person with dementia. They are instead used to spot some obvious symptoms of dementia in persons being screened, after which persons who have been identified with dementia symptoms may be encouraged to consult a doctor for further testing.

Persons who have been identified as having dementia symptoms during screening do not necessarily have dementia, and vice versa: there is some chance that some persons who have not been identified as having dementia symptoms may have dementia.

Dementia screenings are helpful, but are not as thorough as a medically qualified professional’s evaluation and diagnosis.

If someone you know shows signs of dementia, please consult a doctor for testing and diagnosis.

Diagnosis

In Singapore, only medically qualified professionals, i.e. doctors, can diagnose dementia. A family doctor can be consulted for an initial assessment. If necessary, the doctor may refer the case to specialists (geriatricians, psych geriatricians, neurologists and psychiatrists) for an official diagnosis.

Qualified professionals who can conduct dementia diagnoses are found at healthcare institutions such as family clinics and hospitals, and certified general practitioners’ clinics.

Was this article helpful?

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Thank you for your feedback!

Your feedback will really help us to improve our content to support those living with dementia.

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Read Next

1. Where to Get a Diagnosis?
2. Starting a Conversation About Diagnosis

The post Who Can Diagnose Dementia? appeared first on DementiaHub.SG.

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