Dementia: Diagnosis | National Neuroscience Institute
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Dementia

Dementia - Diagnosis

  • ​Interview
    You and your caregiver will be interviewed by a neurologist and a specialist nurse to understand the problems faced.
  • Assessments
    A cognitive and language ability test will be conducted to help the neurologist make a diagnosis.

Other tests include:

  • Blood
    Samples will be tested for vitamin deciencies, thyroid disorders, and markers of infection/inflammation. Fasting is not required.
  • Brain Imaging
    A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scan looks for a treatable cause of dementia or the presence of atrophy (shrinkage) in the brain (Figure 1). A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan can also confirm the presence of amyloid and tau pathology.

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scan looks for a treatable cause of dementia or the presence of atrophy (shrinkage) in the brain

Figure 1 : Left - Normal Right - Dementia
Shrinkage of the brain in Dementia patients

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing
    CSF is drawn from the spine to test for markers of dementia. An appointment is needed for this outpatient procedure. You should come with your caregiver who can provide you support as the procedure will last a few hours.

Dementia - Preparing for surgery

Dementia - Post-surgery care

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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