It’s not uncommon for older adults to worry about the possibility of dementia when they start experiencing memory lapses, difficulties concentrating, or subtle changes in their personality. However, many people hesitate to seek a diagnosis, fearing what it might reveal and doubting the benefits in the absence of a cure. While these concerns are understandable, there are five good reasons to seek help if you’re worried it might be dementia.
1. It Might Not Be Dementia
The first thing to remember is that these symptoms aren’t always due to dementia. There are many treatable conditions that can mimic dementia in older adults, such as chronic urinary infections, constipation, or even side effects from medications. A thorough assessment by a memory clinic can help to explore these and other explanations for your symptoms.
In fact, many assessments do not result in a dementia diagnosis. An audit in 2023 found that on average 71% of patients referred to memory clinics were diagnosed with dementia. However, the proportion of patients in each service who received a diagnosis of any type of dementia does vary widely, from 36% up to 100% of patients per service.
2. It could be Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a form of decline in brain functioning which is relatively mild and has little impact on everyday life. It is thought to affect around 6% of people aged over 60 years and can have multiple causes including the natural ageing process. A small proportion of people with MCI (5-15%) can go on to develop dementia in future years.
Recent data indicates that, on average, MCI is diagnosed in around 17 % of all patients referred to memory clinics.
3. Early dementia diagnosis can enable better treatment
National experts are trying to ensure that everyone living with dementia is diagnosed as soon as possible so that they can get all the help and treatment that is available when it is most effective.
Dementia diagnosis rates vary across the country. On average, only around 65.2% who are predicted to be living with dementia have a recorded diagnosis.
Currently there are medications available that can help to treat dementia symptoms but these need to be prescribed in the early stages of the disease.
Also, new therapies and interventions are being developed at a rapid pace and will only be available to those with a confirmed diagnosis.
Seeking help early, can help to ensure that you won’t miss out on the latest advancements in dementia care and will be able to access new treatments as they become available.
4. Opens Doors to Research and Support
Getting a diagnosis not only clarifies your condition but it can open doors to other support services which can help you to manage things better.
An early dementia diagnosis might also allow you to participate in research studies and potentially benefit from the latest innovations.
5. Planning Ahead Provides Peace of Mind
A diagnosis can give you, your family and your friends the opportunity to take control and make arrangements for your future housing, care, and finances. It can also help those who love you understand what your wishes are, giving everyone concerned peace of mind.
You can read more about planning ahead here.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait for a Crisis
If you’re concerned about dementia, it’s better to seek help sooner rather than later. Whether it’s ruling out other conditions, accessing early treatment, or preparing for the future, the benefits of a timely diagnosis far outweigh the risks of leaving it too late.
