Almost 1 million people in the UK are living with dementia and this number is set to rise to over 1.4 million by 2040.1 You may be concerned about the cognitive wellbeing or health of a loved one, and dementia tests can be a useful first step to either reassurance or finding the right treatment.
Dementia testing is an important step in finding out about memory issues and other cognitive problems and helping to reach a possible diagnosis. Early screening is key to managing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, or vascular dementia. Medical professionals use different cognitive screening tools and thorough methods in dementia testing; this way, they can rule out other conditions and give a clear diagnosis of dementia. A dementia diagnosis allows those affected to look at treatment options and plan for their future. A complete diagnosis also points out possible causes and suggests suitable interventions.
This guide provides an introduction to dementia testing and is designed to help, whether you’re looking for an initial dementia test to check your own cognitive health or for a loved one, or want to learn more about medical dementia tests before undertaking one with a medical professional.
If your loved one has dementia and needs extra support at home, our friendly Carers can help. Our Care Teams provide high quality Dementia Care that can assist your loved one with medication reminders, attending appointments and meal preparation. Find your local Alina Homecare Team to see how we can help make life easier.
Overview of dementia testing
Dementia testing is a process that helps find the causes of thinking and behavioural issues. Health professionals use different methods, including assessments of thinking skills, daily activities, brain scans and nerve checks. Together, these steps provide a complete picture of symptoms and help to form an official diagnosis.
There is no single test for diagnosing dementia so it’s important to look at several elements, including medical history, family background and test results. Using a combination of these methods helps in finding different types of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, and allows medical professionals to create a personal treatment plan for patients.
Purpose of dementia tests
Dementia testing mostly looks for signs of possible cognitive impairment in the early stages. Finding these issues early can help medical professionals monitor dementia symptoms and provide appropriate treatment before a person’s health deteriorates further. A study by the Alzheimer’s Society has shown that over 50% of people wait for a year or more before seeking a dementia diagnosis,2 but an accurate and early diagnosis can have many benefits. Memory tests and tests that check language skills are useful for spotting mild cognitive impairments, which may develop into dementia.
Screening also helps in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for around 60% of diagnoses in the UK.3 By observing changes in memory and executive function, medical professionals can tell Alzheimer’s apart from other conditions.
Testing can contribute to creating personal treatment plans. It can provide insight into the unique challenges each person faces and helps medical professionals to suggest therapies or lifestyle changes. Whether dealing with confusion, like elderly delirium, or memory problems, dementia tests play an important role in finding ways to slow down progression and improve quality of life for those affected. Early evaluation increases the chances of quality long term care.
Common types of tests used for diagnosing dementia
There isn’t a single definitive test for diagnosing dementia, but medical professionals use a combination of tools and information sources, such as medical history, brain scans or blood tests to evaluate and diagnose dementia.
1. Cognitive assessments
General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG)
GPCOG4 is a common test used to assess memory and thinking abilities, particularly in the early stages of dementia. It’s used to identify potential cognitive decline and rule out other conditions that may be mimicking dementia. It can identify potential issues by assessing orientation, short term memory, language skills and visuospatial functioning. It typically involves a short cognitive test for the patient and, if necessary, an informant questionnaire.
The informant questionnaire may be completed by a family member or friend who has noticed changes in the patient’s behaviour. Questions might include:
Has the patient become more forgetful of things that have happened recently?
Has the patient stopped doing daily tasks like shopping or travelling?
Has the patient lost interest in their usual hobbies or activities?
Does the patient have trouble finding the right word or misnaming objects?
Does the patient have more trouble managing money or paying bills?
Does the patient need more help with appointments or medications?
In summary, the GPCOG is a quick, effective way for medical professionals to screen for cognitive impairment; however, it alone does not diagnose dementia.
Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)
MMSE5 is a widely used tool consisting of a set of questions to screen for cognitive impairment, assessing memory, orientation, language and calculation skills. The test takes around 5-10 minutes. The person being tested is asked a series of questions and given a score on correct answers given. The lower the score, the more severe cognitive impairment present in the patient and further testing should be conducted.
Mini Cog
Mini Cog is a quick cognitive screening test that combines a three item recall test for memory and a clock drawing test to assess cognitive function. While it’s a brief assessment, the Mini Cog test can help detect potential cognitive impairment and may be used in conjunction with other tests for a more comprehensive evaluation.
During the three item recall, a medical professional will present the person being tested with three words and ask them to repeat the words immediately to ensure understanding. After a short delay, the person being tested will be asked again to recall the three words and the number of words recalled correctly is scored.
During the clock test, the person receiving the test will be asked to draw a clock face and set the hands to a specific time. The accuracy of the drawing will be assessed, including the presence of all numbers, the correct placement of numbers and the correct placement of the hands set to the specific time.
A limitation of the Mini Cog test is that it doesn’t assess all aspects of cognition, such as insight and reasoning, and therefore abnormal results need further evaluation with more comprehensive cognitive assessments.
SAGE is a brief test involving a series of questions and tasks that can be conducted at home. It’s designed to identify mild cognitive impairment and early dementia. While SAGE is not a diagnostic tool, it can help provide a baseline measure of cognitive function that medical professionals can use to track changes over time.
As the test is self administered, it’s easy to give to patients to complete in their own time which saves doctors’ time. The test covers many cognitive domains and is considered good sensitivity for early dementia, although it’s not a diagnostic tool on its own as abnormal results need further evaluation.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
MoCA6 is a brief 10 minute test that checks different cognitive functions, like short term memory, attention, concentration and orientation. It’s widely used by medical professionals to detect mild cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease and early dementia. Similarly to the other tests mentioned, it’s not a diagnostic tool as abnormal results need further evaluation.
Other tests
Medical professionals may also use tests to assess:
Ability to follow instructions
Awareness of time and place (orientation)
Concentration and attention span
Language and communication skills
Problem solving skills
Reasoning and judgement
Short and long term memory
Visual and spatial skills
2. Medical history & physical examination
Medical professionals will review the person’s medical history, including family history of dementia, to gather information about potential risk factors. A physical examination may be conducted to rule out other conditions that could be causing cognitive decline.
3. Brain scans
Computed Technology (CT) & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans
A CT or MRI scan can help identify structural changes in the brain that might be associated with dementia. They can also find issues such as strokes, fluid build up or brain tumours. By excluding these problems, medical professionals can focus on what’s causing the decline in mental health and whether dementia is present.
These scans can assess brain function and blood flow, which can help identify certain types of dementia.
4. Blood tests
Blood tests may be used to check for other health conditions that could be causing cognitive problems, such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues or hormonal imbalances. Researchers are also investigating the use of blood biomarkers to detect dementia, with some promising results in detecting Alzheimer’s disease.7
There is no single test that can definitively diagnose dementia. Therefore, medical professionals use a combination of assessments and tests to make an accurate diagnosis. Early detection and diagnoses are important for implementing the appropriate level of support and treatment options.
Preparing for a dementia test
Preparing for a dementia test involves collating important information to help assist the medical professionals conducting the tests. This includes medical history, family background, symptoms and daily struggles. Keeping track of medications, eating habits and past illnesses can also help.
To ensure you and your loved one communicate well with the medical professionals, gather the following information:
A list of all current medications and supplements
Notes on the dementia symptoms, including how often they happen and their progression
Questions you may have about diagnosis results and what happens next
Involving family members is important. They can share helpful observations and changes that have been seen relating to memory problems or difficulty with executive function. Their input could help the medical professional conducting the tests to make a better assessment and diagnosis.
Questions to prepare for medical professionals
Being ready for a dementia test appointment can help ease any concerns you may have and make the process smoother. Start by writing down any questions you may have about the symptoms of dementia you’ve seen and what may be causing them. Understanding if these problems relate to certain types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, can help you to plan better and create an appropriate treatment plan.
Don’t be afraid to also ask about getting a second opinion. More evaluations can confirm the accuracy of the diagnosis. Questions to consider asking may include:
What tests will confirm the results?
What type of dementia could this possibly be?
What type of treatment options can we look at?
Having these questions prepared will help guide discussions with the medical professionals and help you to get a better understanding of what to expect from a dementia diagnosis. It’s also important to ask about the long term outlook, overall health concerns and ways to slow down the progression.
What to expect during the testing
Undertaking a dementia test can be a challenging time emotionally and you and your loved ones will likely have a wide range of emotions, such as anxiety, fear or confusion. This is a completely normal response and it’s important to keep in mind that receiving a dementia diagnosis is a journey that won’t be determined by a single dementia test. This is especially true of online dementia tests – they can’t stand in or replace conversations and diagnoses from trained medical professionals. If you’re concerned or feeling anxious, you should contact your local GP to discuss symptoms and learn more.
Dementia tests will look at the health of both the body and mind. During a dementia test, the person receiving the test will go through mental and psychological check ups to assess how well they remember, their sense of direction and reasoning skills. There will also be a physical examination. The medical professional may take blood and urine samples to rule out problems that could cause symptoms similar to dementia. This comprehensive method of testing helps them to find all possible reasons for the symptoms and will help to give the correct diagnosis.
Cognitive & psychological assessments
These tests will look at core areas like memory problems, executive function and reasoning skills. The person receiving the test may need to remember lists of items, solve easy problems and do tasks that measure spatial awareness. These tests show if there are dementia symptoms or cognitive impairments that affect daily life. Medical experts use these results to find mild cognitive impairment or signs of early dementia.
These tests also help find psychological issues linked to mental decline. For example, checking for depression can tell the difference between mood problems and dementia symptoms, allowing for different treatment options. Using a combination of cognitive tests with psychological evaluations helps medical professionals gain a better understanding of how a person is doing overall.
Physical examinations & tests
Physical examinations contribute significantly to diagnosing dementia; they help find conditions that can look like dementia symptoms and rule them out. During a physical examination, medical professionals may check the heart and lungs, measure blood pressure and test reflexes or muscle strength. Blood tests can detect vitamin deficiencies, while urine tests can check for systemic health issues. Physical examinations can also help detect thyroid problems, delirium or other conditions that can be treated and are similar to dementia.
It’s important to understand the dementia testing process because it can be difficult for both the person undertaking the tests and their loved ones. However, knowing the different types of tests, how to prepare and what to expect during the evaluation can help reduce worry. Approaching the testing with sufficient prior knowledge can help everyone involved to have insightful discussions with medical professionals and make sure all questions are answered.
When & why to consider a dementia test
If you suspect your loved one may be experiencing the symptoms of dementia, it’s always best to seek professional medical advice for a proper assessment and individualised recommendations. Some key symptoms may present themselves as:
Changes in mood or personality: a major shift in typical behaviour, such as increased irritability, anxiety, paranoia or depression, can sometimes be linked to cognitive changes. If these are out of character and persistent, seek professional guidance
Difficulty with problem solving or routine tasks: struggling to follow a familiar recipe, manage finances or operate everyday appliances can be a sign of cognitive decline. A noticeable decline in your loved one’s ability to plan, organise or reason can indicate the need for a thorough evaluation
Disorientation in time or place: early indicators can be getting lost in once-familiar settings or repeatedly mixing up dates and times
Language or communication problems: trouble finding the right words, pausing longer during conversation or repeating the same questions or stories can be associated with early cognitive impairment
Trouble with coordination or motor skills: stumbling, misjudging distances or having difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as buttoning shirts or opening jars, might signal a need for an evaluation
Unusual memory lapses: mild forgetfulness can happen to anyone, especially as we age or when we’re tired or stressed. However, if memory loss becomes more frequent and interferes with daily tasks, such as consistently forgetting appointments, important conversations and events, or how to complete familiar tasks, it may be time to consult healthcare professionals
If your loved one experiences one or more of these symptoms regularly and are growing more pronounced, scheduling an appointment with a medical professional may be necessary.
Approaching a loved one about testing
Discussing a dementia diagnosis with a loved one can be daunting. Here are six useful tips to consider on how to approach the conversation:
Acknowledge their fears Your loved one may be worried about what a dementia diagnosis means. Validating these fears while reassuring them of the support available can be critical in helping them agree to an evaluation.
Choose a comfortable setting Approach the conversation in a relaxed, distraction free environment where your loved one feels safe and respected.
Express genuine concern Genuine concern will steer the conversation to feel less accusatory and more caring; for example, “I’ve noticed you seem more forgetful lately and I’m worried about your health.”
Focus on benefits Emphasise how testing can lead to early intervention and access to supportive resources. Early detection can help maintain independence and improve quality of life through an appropriate care plan.
Respect their autonomy If your loved one is competent to make their own healthcare decisions and refuses to be evaluated, respect their decision but keep lines of communication open. Continue expressing concern and gather support from other family members or friends to encourage a conversation.
Suggest a routine health check For loved ones who may be reluctant, highlighting the cognitive evaluation as part of a regular check up can sometimes reduce the anxiety around testing for dementia.
Quick questions
What’s the earliest age at which dementia testing is recommended?
Dementia testing is usually suggested for people over 65. However, early signs of dementia can show up before the age of 65, known as ‘young-onset dementia’.8 Medical professionals will look at the person’s medical history as well as family background. A younger person may experience different symptoms, especially in the early stages of dementia, and are likely to need different support than older adults.
How long does the dementia testing process typically take?
The process of dementia testing can be different for each person. It usually takes several hours as medical professionals check for cognitive impairment; this involves asking a series of questions and conducting physical examinations. If imaging or more detailed tests are needed, a dementia specialist may take longer to complete the process and provide an accurate diagnosis.
How long does it take to get a dementia diagnosis?
The time it takes to get a dementia diagnosis will vary and there is no set time frame. Generally, it can take several months from an initial referral to ultimately receiving a diagnosis or an all clear. It is common for the process to involve multiple appointments with various specialists and waiting times for memory assessment services can range from weeks to months depending on where you live.
The process will typically involve an initial referral where you would express concern of your loved one to a GP. If the GP agrees there is a cause for concern and symptoms are present, they may then make the referral to a specialist assessment service. After a waiting period, the specialist would conduct the assessment or dementia tests. More details about the kind of tests they might carry out have been covered above. Depending on how this goes, they might like to do additional tests like brain scans before a diagnosis is finally made.
