If you think the person you care for has dementia, it's important that they receive a proper diagnosis from a doctor. Some illnesses can cause symptoms similar to dementia, so these must be ruled out and the correct treatment and care given.
To confirm a diagnosis of dementia, the doctor may ask about any medication the person is already taking in case this is contributing to the symptoms. They will conduct a mental ability test by asking them a series of questions. This will usually be the mini mental state examination, which assesses memory, concentration and planning.
The doctor may also conduct blood tests and possibly an MRI brain scan.
For more information about all different tests for diagnosing dementia, go to Health A-Z: dementia diagnosis.
Emotions
If the person you care for is diagnosed with dementia, they may be very worried about the future and they'll need a lot of reassurance and support from the people closest to them. It's normal for them to feel anxious and upset about their diagnosis, but if you think they're becoming depressed, encourage them to speak to their GP.
As their carer, you'll probably want to find out as much as possible about their condition and to plan for the future. Arrange a community care assessment for them and a carer’s assessment for you.
There are many centres throughout the country that provide advice and support for people with dementia and their carers. For further details about the different types of support available, call Carers Direct on freephone 0808 802 0202. Lines are open 8am–9pm Monday to Friday and 11am–4pm on weekends and bank holidays.
Preparing for the future
After the initial shock of their diagnosis, the person you care for may want practical help to prepare for the future. It's a good idea for them to organise important documents, such as mortgage agreements, insurance policies and household bills, before their dementia progresses further. For example, they may want to set up direct debits for the household bills to ensure they're always paid on time.
If the person you care for is still able to drive, they're legally obliged to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that they have been diagnosed with dementia. This doesn’t mean that they will have to stop driving immediately. The DVLA will assess each case individually. They will also need to inform their insurance provider to make sure they're still covered by their policy.
Wills, advance decisions and power of attorney
Some people reassess their will in the early stages of dementia while they're still legally able to make changes. The person you care for may also want to write an advance decision outlining the level of treatment they want in the final stages of their illness. This means they can be sure their wishes will be followed and will mean their family members won’t have to be involved in making those difficult decisions. For more information about this, see the section on advance decisions.
They may also want to appoint someone to manage their affairs, if necessary, by granting a lasting power of attorney.
