Guide 2 of 5 · Diagnosis
Getting checked by a health worker
The main points
- An early check helps the person and family understand what is happening and plan ahead.
- Take notes and a list of all medicines to the appointment.
- Checks may include questions, memory tests and blood tests.
- After a diagnosis, the person can still live well with the right support.
Why getting checked helps
- It can find other problems that can be treated.
- It helps the family understand the changes they see.
- The person can take part in plans for their future while they are able to.
- It opens the door to treatment, advice and support.
Before the appointment
- Fill in our checklist to take to the health worker and print it. It has space for the changes you have noticed, when they started, and questions to ask.
- Bring all the medicines the person takes, including herbal or traditional medicines.
- Bring any past hospital or clinic papers.
- If you can, go with the person. You can help explain what you have seen.
What might happen
A health worker will try to find out what is causing the changes. They will look at the person’s health as a whole, not only their memory. This helps them rule out other problems that can be treated. The health worker may:
- ask questions about the person’s health and daily life
- do short memory and thinking tests
- check blood pressure, eyes and hearing
- take blood tests to look for other causes
- send the person to a specialist, or for a brain scan, if one is available
- ask you to come back, as it can take more than one visit to find out what is wrong
Questions you could ask
- What do you think is causing these changes?
- Are there other tests we need?
- Are there medicines or treatments that could help?
- What should we watch out for?
- Where can we get support?
After a diagnosis
Hearing that someone has dementia can be a shock. You may feel sad or worried, or even relieved to finally have an answer. All of these feelings are normal, and they can change from day to day. Take your time, and take the next steps together:
- Talk as a family about what the person wants for the future.
- Sort out money, property and legal matters early, while the person can still take part.
- Keep looking after other health conditions, like blood pressure or diabetes.
- Share the care. Nobody should do it alone.
This guide gives general information about dementia. It is not medical advice for any one person. A doctor, nurse or health worker who knows the person can give advice that fits them. Please speak to them about any worries.