HOW IS DEMENTIA DIAGNOSED?

How is Dementia diagnosed?

No single test can determine whether you have dementia. Diagnosis is based on a range of medical tests and your medical history. If you exhibit symptoms of dementia your doctor will perform: 

• a physical exam 
• neurological exam 
• mental status tests 
• other laboratory tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms.  

SOME COMMON TESTS USED TO DIAGNOSE DEMENTIA INCLUDE:

Mini-mental state examination (MMSE)   -  The MMSE test memory, language use and comprehension, and motor skills, among other things.

Mini-Cog test   - This is a short test for helping your doctor diagnose dementia. It involves these three steps:

Clinical dementia rating (CDR)  - This score is based on your performance in these and other tests, as well as your medical history.