When an Evaluation for Dementia Is Needed

How your neurologists in Winchester, VA, can help diagnose and treat dementia
 

Do you know someone who forgets things? Most of us do. In fact, you may forget things from time to time. Occasional forgetting is normal, especially as you get older. So, how do you know when it might be something more serious, like dementia?
 

The neurologists at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, offer a wide range of neurological services, including dementia diagnosis, management, and treatment.
 

Dementia is a broad term that includes several medical conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease. In cases of dementia, healthy nerve cells stop connecting with other brain cells and begin to die. Loss of these nerve cells causes problems with thinking, reasoning, and remembering. Dementia can also affect someone’s personality, leading to emotional outbursts, combativeness, and other issues.
 

So, how do you know when it’s time for an evaluation for dementia? If memory loss becomes frequent, a dementia evaluation should be considered. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, common signs and symptoms of dementia include:
 

  • Short term memory loss
  • Losing important items
  • Forgetting to pay bills
  • Problems with everyday activities like cooking
  • Forgetting about appointments
  • Wandering and forgetting locations

If you or someone you know is experiencing some of the signs and symptoms listed above, it may be time for an evaluation. An evaluation for dementia typically includes:
 

  • Performing a physical examination, including vital signs, to check for any underlying condition which might be causing dementia signs and symptoms
  • Recording a complete medical history, including a family history of physical or neurological issues
  • Performing neurological and cognitive testing, including balance assessment, testing reflexes, and evaluating sensory responses
  • Laboratory testing of blood and other body fluids to check for an imbalance that may be causing dementia signs and symptoms.
  • Imaging studies, including CT, MRI, and PET scans to look for tumors and other issues which may be affecting the brain.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of dementia, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. To find out more about the diagnosis, management, and treatment of dementia, talk with the experts. Call the neurologists of Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, at (540) 667-1828. Call now!

Winchester Neurological Consultants

Office Hours

DOORS OPEN AT 8:15AM

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed