We're here, so how can we help?
If you, or someone you are close to, have been feeling confused, agitated or forgetful, it may be a good idea to visit the GP.
Our 1-1 dementia support service offers information, practical guidance to help people living with dementia and their carers to understand the effects of dementia, applying practical steps and approaches in caring for people affected by dementia. This includes assisting them to sign posting to other services, providing expertise and knowledge in coping with day-to-day challenges, and helping to prepare people with dementia and their carers to plan for the future. This includes information on benefits, Lasting powers of attorney, living wills, assistive technology, and end of life care.
We also offer information to people who are worried about their memory, and who need ongoing support to people until a diagnosis is obtained.
Our support can be provided through face-to-face contact or contact over the phone.
We run a number of memory cafes, singing for the brain sessions, and carers groups across Derbyshire – see our activities tab
Our offer includes attending Living Well programmes (LWP) to talk about our service and how we can support people. We also contribute to a panel of experts at Q&A sessions, held monthly in an evening for people living with dementia and their carers.
Why get a diagnosis?
A proper diagnosis of dementia is essential, in order to:
- rule out other conditions that may have symptoms similar to dementia and that may be treatable, including depression, chest and urinary infections, severe constipation, vitamin and thyroid deficiencies and brain tumours
- rule out other possible causes of confusion, such as poor sight or hearing; emotional changes and upsets, such as moving or bereavement; or the side-effects of certain drugs or combinations of drugs
- access advice, information & support (emotional, practical and financial) from social services, voluntary agencies and support
- allow the person with dementia to plan and make arrangements for the future.
As drugs for treating different conditions become available, it is becoming increasingly important to identify which type of dementia the person has. For example, drugs are already available to treat some people with Alzheimer’s disease and some people with dementia with Lewy bodies, but these drugs are ineffective in the treatment of Pick’s disease (another form of dementia), and may actually worsen symptoms.
Making a diagnosis
Step 1: Assessment by a GP
If you are concerned that you, or someone you are close to, may have dementia, the first person to consult is the GP. You may see the GP in their surgery or they may prefer to make a home visit. If dementia is suspected, it is often easier to assess and observe the person’s behaviour in the home. It then becomes clearer exactly what the problems are. The GP will assess the person through:
- Analysis of background information − You can expect the GP to spend some time talking to you and (if you are simply accompanying someone) the person you are concerned about, to try to establish some of the symptoms. The GP will look at the person’s medical history and that of other family members.
- Physical examinations and tests − The GP will normally carry out a physical examination and may perform a number of tests, such as blood and urine tests, to identify other conditions that may be causing confusion.
- Mental tests − The GP may ask a series of questions designed to test thinking and memory.
The GP will have access to some services, such as community nursing. If there is a probable diagnosis of dementia, or the person is having trouble managing, the GP can refer them to the social services.
At the end of the assessment, the GP should communicate their findings in an appropriate way and discuss what action needs to be taken. They may feel able to make a diagnosis, or they may wish for further assessment to make sure. In some cases they may want to refer the person to a memory clinic or other specialist service for a fuller assessment.
Step 2: Referral to a specialist
The GP is the usual person to make a referral to a specialist. If you feel that a referral would be helpful and the GP does not suggest it, do press for it. You are entitled to ask for a referral to a memory clinic or other specialist service for a second opinion or for support, and access to services that such a referral may give. A consultant will have more specialised knowledge and experience of dementia than the GP, and will have access to more specialised investigations, such as brain scans and memory testing.
Your GP will make the referral to a consultant in a particular specialty. The specialty may depend on the age of the person concerned, their symptoms and what is available in your particular area. The main types of consultant are as follows:
- Neurologists specialise in disorders of the brain and nerve pathways. Some neurologists have particular experience in diagnosing dementia.
- Specialists in medicine for older people (sometimes called geriatricians) specialise in the physical illnesses and disabilities associated with old age and in the care of older people. If the person being diagnosed has reached retirement age they may be referred to one of these specialists to see whether their symptoms are due to a physical illness, or to find out whether they are suffering from a physical illness as well as dementia.
- General adult psychiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health problems. A younger person may be referred to a psychiatrist to assist in the diagnosis.
- Old age psychiatrists are psychiatrists who have further specialised in the mental health problems of older people, including dementia. They may sometimes also offer support to younger people with dementia.
The consultant usually works within a specialist team − alongside a number of fully qualified doctors at various stages of further training in that particular speciality. Although you may not always see the consultant in person, he or she is ultimately responsible for your case and will discuss it with the doctor concerned. The consultant also usually works with other professionals, including nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers. Each of these members contributes their own knowledge, skills and advice to the team.
Step 3: Assessment
Assessment may take place in the home, in an outpatients department, in a day hospital over several weeks or, very occasionally, as a hospital inpatient. The specialist will carry out their assessment through:
- Analysis of background information − As with the GP, an assessment is likely to include time spent talking to the person being diagnosed and those close to them.
- Physical examinations and tests − A physical examination and/or tests will be undertaken, if they have not already been carried out by the GP.
- Memory assessment – The person being diagnosed may see a clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist for a more detailed assessment of memory and other thinking processes. This consists of a range of ‘pen and paper’ type tests and questions that will look at things like memory, verbal and non-verbal abilities. These tests can be very good at helping to decide the type of problem a person may have, particularly in the early stages. The assessment can be used as a baseline to measure any changes over time which can also help with making a diagnosis.
- Scans − The person might be given a brain scan. A brain scan can identify conditions such as strokes, brain tumour and hydrocephalus (a build-up of fluid inside the brain). There are several types of brain scan:
− CT or CAT (computerised axial tomography) scans are a way of taking pictures of the brain using X-rays and a computer
− MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans also use a computer to create an image of the brain but, instead of X-rays, they use radio signals produced by the body in response to the effects of a very strong magnet contained within the scanner.
−SPECT (single photon emission computerised tomography) scans look at the blood flow through the brain, rather than at the structure of the brain.
After the assessment, the consultant will send a report to the GP. CT and MRI scans may show brain shrinkage (atrophy), while SPECT and PET scans show areas of loss of function. Memory tests can also show problems in particular areas. The pattern of these changes helps to diagnose the cause of the dementia. A scan that shows no unexpected changes in the brain does not rule out conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease because in the early stages of the disease the changes can be difficult to distinguish from normal ageing. The consultant may discuss their findings or may refer the person back to the GP for this information. In some cases the consultant may wish to see the person again after some months to observe any changes before making a diagnosis.
Tips: Getting the most from a consultation
Whether you are attending the appointment for yourself or for someone you are supporting, it may be useful to do the following:
- Write down any questions or worrying signs beforehand to ask the GP or specialist. It can be difficult to remember everything you want to say during a consultation.
- Write down any important points the doctor makes during the consultation.
- Ask a doctor, or any other professional, to explain words or phrases if you do not understand.
- Ask a doctor to write down any medical terms, particularly if English is not your first language.
Step 4: Explaining the diagnosis
Doctors may differ in their views on what to tell their patients about a diagnosis of dementia. The person with dementia has the right to be told their diagnosis − particularly if this gives them the opportunity to put their affairs in order. However, in some circumstances a professional may feel that:
- they should only offer the diagnosis of dementia if the patient asks, or seems to want to know
- the knowledge that they have dementia will be too much for the person to cope with
- it is better to use a term such as ‘memory problems’ if this may be more easily understood or seems more appropriate.
Most doctors will inform those close to the person concerned of the diagnosis of dementia or possible dementia. In some cases it may be left to the relatives or friends to decide whether to tell the person that they have dementia. This will depend on the kind of relationship they have with the person, and what they feel the person would want to know.
If you feel that the doctor is avoiding the issue, don’t hesitate to ask for an explanation.
Step 5: Ongoing assessment
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the GP should arrange to see the person with dementia from time to time to assess changes and discuss any problems. He or she may refer the person with dementia to a specialist for help in assessing changes, and for advice on ways to deal with specific difficulties. The GP is also responsible for the general health of the person with dementia.
The GP and a hospital specialist will usually jointly prescribe any treatment for dementia. The arrangement will depend upon the person’s situation, where they live, and what medication they are already taking.
If you or someone you are close to is diagnosed with dementia, don’t be afraid to seek help from your GP or local Support Groups, if you feel you need it.
Alzheimer’s society support in Derbyshire
If you, a friend or relative, have been diagnosed with dementia, you may be feeling anxious and confused. Here at the Alzheimer’s Society we provide a range of support services for people living with dementia, their families and carers in Derbyshire.
For more details of Alzheimer’s Society services in the Derbyshire area, please contact us on 01332 208845 or email derbyshire@alzheimers.org.uk
For information about a wide range of dementia-related topics, visit alzheimers.org.uk/factsheet
For a list of other support services available in Derbyshire and useful resource links, go to our Other Local Support tab or click here.
