The Importance Of Getting A Dementia Diagnosis

June 7, 2023 0 Comment Category: Assisted Living

It is possible that you’ve had memory issues or other symptoms for a while. Your issues likely emerged
over a long period of time, making them more difficult to identify. It may seem like your symptoms
aren’t severe enough; yet if you’ve only lately been aware of changes. However, it can be crucial to
receive a dementia diagnosis early on. Dementia care experts in our senior care facility share the
importance of getting a dementia diagnosis.

Benefits Of Dementia Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with dementia at an early stage allows you to make adjustments and get the things you
require, such as:
Access To Assistance: The diseases that cause dementia are still incurable. However, there are many
resources available to support you in living as well as you can. You can learn what kind of dementia you
have after the diagnosis process. Additionally, it can assist you in accessing therapies and support
networks as well as future planning (such as establishing a power of attorney). Moreover, this can imply
that you have access to medications that can help you control your symptoms.
Information That Will Make Your Situation More Understandable To Others: Your mood and behavior
can alter as a result of dementia. A diagnosis might help people understand why you have been acting
differently, feeling down, or getting annoyed easily. They might be able to help you more effectively.
The Provision Of Benefits And Protections: If you have been diagnosed with dementia, you are legally
protected against discrimination (unfair treatment) at employment. You may also gain access to
financial advantages.
You can be afraid of the diagnosis or believe that getting one won’t make your difficulties any better.
However, you should look into your issues because you have a right to know what’s causing them and
because dementia care experts are available to support you.
You could be concerned that people would perceive you differently if they know you have dementia.
This can be especially challenging in societies where conditions like dementia are not widely
acknowledged or understood. Keep in mind that you have the discretion about who, when, and how you
disclose any diagnoses. Deciding to speak to your doctor is a significant and positive step in dementia
diagnosis.

Why Should I Talk To A Doctor?

According to a survey by the Alzheimer’s Society, three out of five dementia sufferers regret delaying
their diagnosis. There are significant reasons for this, which could be helpful to you if you’re debating
whether to consult your doctor.

Dementia Symptoms Are Not A Normal Part Of Aging: Brain disorders are the main cause of dementia.
You should not accept these changes as a normal part of aging if you are concerned about how they are
affecting your daily life.
Everyone Has A Unique Dementia Experience: Dementia can present with a wide range of symptoms.
Each person is affected differently by the illness, and its symptoms evolve with time.
Dementia Can Also Affect Younger People: Many people believe that dementia is a condition that
exclusively affects the elderly. However, midlifers are also impacted by it. People of any age should seek
treatment if they need it because one in twenty people with dementia is under the age of 65.

It Might Not Be Dementia

There can be many reasons for symptoms that resemble dementia. These include a wide range of
treatable illnesses, including:
 Medicine side effects
 Issues with hearing, or sight
 Chest pain, or urinary tract infections
 Serious constipation
 Thyroid issues
 Issues with sleep
 Anxiety or depression
In addition to dementia, there are other disorders that have an impact on memory and thought. These
conditions can improve with proper care and support. Many times, multiple factors work together to
generate symptoms.