![]() ![]() However, most people will not need these types of scans.īoth SPECT and PET scans look at how the brain functions, and can pick up abnormalities with the blood flow in the brain. Other types of scan, such as a SPECT scan or a PET scan, may be recommended if the result of your MRI or CT scan is uncertain. Other scans and procedures to diagnose dementia But it cannot provide detailed information about the structure of the brain.Įven if a brain scan does not show any obvious changes, this does not mean someone does not have dementia. show shrinkage in specific areas of the brain – for example, the frontal and temporal lobes are mainly affected by shrinkage in frontotemporal dementia, while usually just the temporal lobes are affected in the early stages of Alzheimer's diseaseĪ CT scan can be used to check for signs of stroke or a brain tumour.provide detailed information about the blood vessel damage that happens in vascular dementia.help confirm a diagnosis of dementia and the type of disease causing the dementia.These scans may also be used to check for evidence of other possible problems that could explain a person's symptoms, such as a stroke or a brain tumour. ![]() Not everyone will need a brain scan, particularly if the tests and assessments show that dementia is a likely diagnosis. Like memory tests, on their own brain scans cannot diagnose dementia, but are used as part of the wider assessment. Dementia brain scansīrain scans are often used for diagnosing dementia once the simpler tests have ruled out other problems. If your doctor thinks you may have an infection, they may also ask you to do a urine test or other investigations. In most cases, these blood tests will check: Your GP will arrange for blood tests to help exclude other causes of symptoms that can be confused with dementia. Blood tests to check for other conditions Similarly, someone with a higher level of education may achieve a higher score, but still have dementia. It's important to remember that test scores may be influenced by a person's level of education.įor example, someone who cannot read or write very well may have a lower score, but they may not have dementia. awareness of time and place (orientation).These tests assess a number of different mental abilities, including: Most tests involve a series of pen-and-paper tests and questions, each of which carries a score. A common one used by GPs is the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG).Īlthough these tests cannot diagnose dementia, they may show there are memory difficulties that need further investigation. ![]() These tests are known as cognitive assessments, and may be done initially by a GP. People with symptoms of dementia are given tests to check their mental abilities, such as memory or thinking. Mental ability tests to diagnose dementia
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