Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain that get worse over time. It is the loss of the ability to think, remember, and reason to levels that affect daily life and activities. Different types of dementia can share similar symptoms — and a person can have more than one type of dementia — so making an accurate diagnosis can be difficult.
To diagnose dementia, a doctor will complete a medical history, physical exam, and neurological tests that assess balance, sensory response, reflexes, and memory and thinking skills. In addition, a doctor may order brain scans, blood tests, genetic tests, a spinal tap, and a mental health evaluation to help determine a diagnosis.
Find more information about how dementia is diagnosed.
