On this page
How to get a diagnosis
Getting a dementia diagnosis can be scary both for individuals and their families. However, getting a diagnosis is an important step in understanding and managing changes to memory or behaviour.
These are some common steps to obtaining a dementia diagnosis:
Visit your primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner)
They will likely assess your symptoms, review your medical and family history and ask some general questions.
If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can access a walk-in health clinic or the services of NB Health Link until you can be matched with a long-term provider.
Family members may find it helpful to keep track of any changes to behaviour or abilities in a journal.
Physical and neurological exams
Your provider will likely conduct some general testing to rule out other potential causes for the onset of symptoms.
Cognitive testing
Things like memorizing a list of words, naming objects, counting backwards and identifying facts. Some examples of common cognitive tests include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and the Mini-Cog Test.
Blood tests
These will look for nutritional deficiencies, illnesses or other potential causes of symptoms.
You may get an initial diagnosis at this point with the intention of further testing.
CT Scan or MRI
CT or MRI scans are both images of your brain to look at the structure and any potential changes.
Referral to a specialist
Your provider may refer you to a specialist like a geriatrician or a neurologist for a more specific and accurate diagnosis.
10 questions your doctor or nurse practitioner may ask you in the first appointment
- What symptoms have you noticed?
- When did you first notice the symptoms?
- Have the symptoms been gradual or sudden?
- Have you had any recent head injuries or trauma?
- Any existing medical conditions? Do you take any medications for them?
- Any mood changes? Increased anxiety or depression?
- How are your sleep, diet and exercise routines?
- Do you have a history of alcohol abuse?
- Do you have a family history of dementia or other neurological conditions?
- Do you have any close relatives with cognitive disorders?