Seeking a diagnosis of dementia and navigating care By Claire Webster
Never before has there been so much attention focused on dementia, and more specifically, Alzheimer’s disease, including early onset, afflicting people who are 55 and over. The recent World Alzheimer Reports have raised awareness that the diagnosis of dementia is only the first, albeit arduous, step on the journey (1,2). Post-diagnosis support is often a daunting field to navigate, particularly when the support systems are confusing, limited, or outright non-existent, depending on where one lives. Dementia is a complex condition that affects cognitive functions, including memory, communication, and decision-making. Common types of dementia include Alzheimer's disease (the most common form and may contribute to 60% of cases), vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia, among others. Each type of dementia may present unique challenges and symptoms, making caregiving an intricate process (3). A common and complicated issue in dementia care is anosognosia (4). It refers to a lack of awareness or insight into one's cognitive deficits, including memory loss and other cognitive impairments. Anosognosia can be a significant challenge for both the person living with dementia and their caregivers, especially when it comes to agreeing to have a medical assessment. As a result of anosognosia, it may be difficult for caregivers accompanying their family members to speak openly to the healthcare professional and describe the signs and symptoms they are observing. It is recommended that caregivers be provided with an opportunity to send their list of concerns to the healthcare professional for their assessment prior to the medical appointment. How Caregivers Should Prepare for the Assessment by a Healthcare Professional Having a medical assessment is crucial for monitoring and managing dementia. A clear diagnosis can empower the family members as they will finally know what they are dealing with and can begin to plan accordingly. To make these appointments more effective:
-42-