How do you find out if you have dementia?

Older people in particular are afraid of developing dementia if they become more forgetful or have problems with their orientation. This need not be the case, as these are often signs of stress, depression or other illnesses such as circulatory disorders or thyroid disease. It is therefore important to speak to your general practitioner immediately if you have any such signs or anxieties. If necessary, he or she will refer you to a specialist in psychiatry or neurology. You will be examined there and then given a diagnosis. In some regions, there are also special outpatient clinics or hospitals where the diagnosis is made. If you live in such a region, your general practitioner can also refer you there. You can find information on this under the menu item Where to get a diagnosis?

Sometimes it takes some time for a diagnosis to be made. Often the causes cannot be found immediately after the first examination. It is therefore important to discuss memory problems or other possible signs of dementia with your general practitioner as soon as possible. As a rule, health insurance will cover the costs of such an examination. Depending on your health insurance, you may have to pay a small contribution, as with all examinations.

If you go to an elective doctor, you should find out about the costs beforehand. If you submit the invoice to your health insurance provider, you will usually be reimbursed part of the costs.

The examination can consist of different parts:

• First of all, you will be interviewed. If you wish, your relatives can also take part.
• Blood results will be checked if you have already had a blood test before the appointment.
• Blood pressure will be measured. The heart will be listened to and an ECG will be performed.
• Tests to check your memory will be carried out.
• The brain will be examined during an MRI scan.

Depending on the impairment, other examinations may also be carried out, such as an ultrasound of the neck vessels.