Diagnosing dementia
It is important to visit your doctor early if you have any concerns about your brain health and dementia. They can discuss ways to maintain your brain health and do tests to help determine whether symptoms are due to dementia or another condition. The cause of cognitive changes can be related to a condition that can be treated.
Asking your doctor about whether you may have dementia can bring up different feelings, including anxiety, worry or fear. It may be helpful to bring a support person and speak to a doctor you have known for some time and feel comfortable with.
It is also a good idea to arrange a longer appointment to allow for enough time to explore your concerns. It may take several visits to develop a clear understanding of what is causing your symptoms.
Your doctor is there to support you through the process. Having an early conversation about your memory, mood and thinking can be beneficial for your health.
To find out more about testing for dementia, you can:
Process of diagnosis
To investigate your symptoms, your doctor may require you to undertake assessments like blood tests and radiological imaging scans (such as an MRI or a CT scan). If you have any concerns or questions about the tests you are asked to take, please speak to your doctor about them.
Some people worry about how a diagnosis might affect their independence, including activities such as driving or making important decisions. Your doctor will work with you to help you maintain your independence as much as possible while also considering your safety and wellbeing.
Diagnostic and specialist options
After your consultation, your doctor may refer you to a specialist memory service.
Memory clinics
Memory clinics are available in public hospitals and assist individuals and their carers to maintain their function and independence and better understand and manage their health concerns.
Memory clinics provide access to:
- medical assessment for clinical diagnosis and treatment plans
- information and support
- allied health assessment and treatment
- referrals to community services, including My Aged Care aged care assessments to access support and services.
Neurologist or psychiatrist specialist
Depending on your clinical needs, your doctor or a memory clinic can refer you to see a neurologist and/or psychiatrist. You should be contacted by the service shortly after your referral. If this does not happen, you can contact your doctor to follow-up and make sure your referral has been accepted.
Private specialist providers may also be available to provide diagnostic services.
Paediatrician specialist
If you are experiencing childhood dementia or young onset dementia, your doctor will typically refer you to a neurologist, psychiatrist or paediatrician.
Private specialist providers may also be available to provide diagnostic services.
Initial treatment and care management
Once you have been given a diagnosis of dementia, your specialist will discuss the various treatment and care management options with you. Your care team can also discuss non-clinical supports with you. For more information on non-clinical supports available to you, see Supporting your health and wellbeing after diagnosis.
Treatment and management may also include discussions about rehabilitation and reablement. Interventions such as physical exercise, occupational therapy and memory exercises, can help you maintain your independence and keep you doing the things you like to do for longer.
Planning ahead
It’s wise to plan ahead. For example, you may need to plan for changes in your finances, ability to drive, health and decision-making ability. It’s important to do this early when you can make your own choices. You may also want to create a dementia friendly environment by adapting your home to reduce the risk of falls and support independent living. To learn more about planning ahead, you can visit:
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.