The early diagnosis of dementia is key to delay the rapid progression of the disease. It is a life-changing condition that can cause distress and sadness to those diagnosed with it. However, for many people, the diagnosis comes as a relief for them and their families because now they can finally start treatment and reach out for care and support to improve their quality of life. This includes preparing for symptoms of dementia such as failing memory, communication problems, and changes in behaviour which can all be managed with the right level of support.
Earlier diagnosis allows you and your loved one to prepare for future care and treatment. It will also help plan ahead and make important decisions on their care and support before their cognitive decline including financial and legal matters.
There is plenty of practical information, advice and guidance out there for people with dementia and their families as together you face these new challenges.
Although your loved one might be upset by the news of diagnosis it can also be good for them. Because it can be an answer for their brain activity, declining cognitive function or cognitive impairment.
In this blog we talk about why early diagnosis of dementia is important and how it can help you with the challenges ahead.
Impact Of A Diagnosis
An early diagnosis can be quite a distressing time for you and your loved one. Feelings of disbelief, anger, loss, and grief are very common. However, once your loved one and other family members have accepted reality, you can all start viewing the diagnosis as a positive event.
Most of the time, such abrupt reactions happen because of how the person with dementia may be told about it i.e. without any counselling & support.
Therefore for the overall well-being of patients with dementia including their families, the diagnosis should be delivered in a positive way. This can be done by answering the questions the patients and you as family members have and reassuring you that you’re not alone. This will allow them to feel you’re in control of the situation.
Benefits Of A Dementia Diagnosis
An early diagnosis with the right support and care can allow your loved one to take control of their health condition. This will also allow them to plan for the future and have a balanced daily life.
It allows the person with dementia to understand other dementia-like signs and symptoms they may experience.
It opens up access to relevant information, resources, and support. This allows them to make the most of their abilities and potential treatments. It also gives you as their family support network, a better understanding of the disease process and helps you all to adapt your lifestyle to the requirements of your loved one.
It gives the patient plenty of time to make important financial decisions and make arrangements for the power of attorney such as an advance decision.
Evidence suggests that early diagnosis of dementia allows affected individuals to live independently for a longer time. It also helps them to avoid admission to a residential care home. It saves them money that would have been otherwise spent on care services. Drug and non-drug treatment can also be more effective the earlier someone is diagnosed.
Why It's Important To Know The Type Of Dementia
With an accurate diagnosis, medical experts can identify the type of dementia that affects your loved one. This will allow them to get the right care and support.
Identifying the type of dementia that is affecting your loved one will allow them to get specialised care. The proper management of dementia requires the identification of the specific type of dementia. However, some patients can be diagnosed with mixed dementia.
These are the most common types of dementia:
Alzheimer’s disease
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder. It slowly destroys the brain's nerve cells and results in loss of memory, thinking skills, and eventually mobility.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain. This type of dementia can be distinguished from Alzheimer's disease because it often involves a stroke or series of strokes. The effects are similar though, as vascular dementia causes impaired thinking skills, concentration difficulties, forgetfulness, problems with language comprehension and speaking abilities.
Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is also known as frontotemporal degeneration or Pick's disease. It is an ALS-type of degenerative neurological disorder that primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, resulting in changes in personality and behaviour. Frontal lobe dysfunction results in disorders of mood, judgement, problem solving, planning, impulse control and social behaviour. This includes confused or uncharacteristic behaviours such as decreased inhibition with language and social cues, loss of empathy for others, irritability, aggressiveness and hypersexuality.
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia is a progressive disorder that affects part of the brain. It builds up over time and remains until it creates significant problems to a person's ability to function.
The main problem with Lewy body dementia is that doctors often mistake it for other diseases. Often, people have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease when in reality they were suffering from Lewy body dementia. It has also been said that many of the symptoms of Lewy body dementia typically don't show up until later in life, when blood tests can be used to correctly diagnose it.
If your loved one exhibits dementia symptoms you should take them for a medical assessment to get a diagnosis and identify which forms of dementia they may have.
Why People May Not Want A Diagnosis
Some people are not willing to accept their dementia diagnosis because of the stigma attached to the disease. Although, if these same people had any other medical condition they would want immediate diagnosis and treatment.
However, with dementia, they do not want the same. But remember, getting a diagnosis at an early stage of dementia will be more helpful in the long term.
Who Diagnoses Dementia?
The earliest signs of dementia could be memory loss, forgetfulness, and mood swings. If you see your loved one exhibiting these warning signs you should first consult their local GP. Their GP will check their medical history and may carry out a memory test. If the GP is concerned about their condition they may refer them to a specialist.
The specialist can be any one of the following; neurologists, geriatricians, psychogeriatricians, psychiatrists, or neuropsychologists. They have the right knowledge to identify your loved one’s problems. They can carry out a physical examination and do brain scans to get to the root of the problem.
If their symptoms fulfil the diagnostic criteria for dementia then your loved one will be diagnosed with the disease.
The Diagnosis Process
The first step of diagnosis is to assess the symptoms through a medical assessment. Other causes of dementia-like conditions should be ruled out through tests and brain scans.
The next step is to identify the type of dementia. The most common types are Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, or frontotemporal dementia.
Then the specialist will identify at what stage is your loved one’s dementia. Later stages of dementia have a higher risk factor.
This process will also make you aware of how your loved one’s mental health and physical health will change with the development of dementia.
Contact Abney & Baker For Dementia Care Services
At Abney & Baker, we provide advanced dementia care for people living with dementia. Our home care services allow your loved ones to live independently without compromising their dignity, self-respect or happiness.
With our affordable pricing and high quality of service, you can have peace of mind they’re being well looked after. You can learn more about our home care services in Melksham, West Wiltshire, Bath & North East Somerset click here: https://www.abneyandbaker.com/
If you do want to talk to us about the challenges you’re currently facing and how we may be able to support you and your loved one, then do give us a call or click below to book a call and we’ll give you a shout back.
Helping your loved one to continue living independently and confidently in their own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 - Email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com - Book a call here