The importance of early diagnosis

Although cognitive decline and dementia are common in the population, patients are often diagnosed years after they began to experience initial symptoms. Sometimes the sick person is unaware of the existence of the difficulties. Even when the person and/or their family members are aware of the difficulties, the first symptoms are sometimes attributed to fatigue, low mood, or age-related phenomena. Sometimes the person or their family do not seek diagnosis because of the thought that "there is nothing to be done anyway," and sometimes due to shame and fear of the disease being known.  

Early diagnosis is important and leads to proper treatment . Dementia is a clinical diagnosis. Diagnosis requires professional knowledge and is primarily the responsibility of the family doctor. As part of the diagnostic process, diseases with symptoms similar to dementia are ruled out, and the most appropriate treatment for the patient's illness and condition is offered. Professional doctors, neurologists, geriatricians and psychiatrists from the community, hospitals and specialized memory clinics, are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from cognitive dysfunction.

Recommendation: It is important to consult a specialist in cases where:

The diagnosis is unclear.

Symptoms worsen rapidly

The patient is less than 65 years old.

The initial symptoms are behavioral. 

Labels for new or experimental tests and treatments should be reviewed.

Multidisciplinary memory clinics operate in hospitals and within the health funds.   

These clinics bring together professionals who are experts and skilled in diagnosing and treating symptoms that arise from cognitive impairment in general, and Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in particular. The clinic staff makes the diagnosis and recommends appropriate treatment, and family members receive guidance and instruction. Because the clinical picture that characterizes the various diagnoses is not the same, accurate diagnosis of the disease and guidance are extremely important for the patient and his family.

Recommendation: Check with the clinic staff for appropriate contact methods and financial obligations. 

Why get a diagnosis for dementia?

Early diagnosis is important and leads to proper treatment. Sometimes the symptoms that emerge are the result of a reversible disease (such as vitamin B12 deficiency or hypothyroidism). Simple blood tests can uncover the problem and allow for a quick solution that will improve the quality of life for many years.

The causes of cognitive decline and dementia are still unclear. In most cases, dementia appears when the cumulative damage to brain tissue is severe and causes the loss of cognitive functions. Because brain cells are usually unable to renew themselves, dementia often describes an incurable process. Currently, there is still no effective treatment for dementia. However, although dementia cannot be cured, nor can its deterioration be significantly delayed over time, there are treatments that can alleviate and slow down the clinical symptoms.

The standard therapeutic approach includes:  

A. Preventive measures and treatment of known risk factors. 

B. Symptomatic treatment of cognitive impairments, mental symptoms, and behavioral disorders. Symptomatic treatment is treatment that does not affect the causes of the disease, but rather its symptoms. 

C. Treatments that affect the causes of the disease and change its course. 

D. Non-pharmacological treatments to improve quality of life. 

Drug treatment: First, treat any treatable syndromes. The medications available today can alleviate the symptoms of the disease and may sometimes slow or delay its progression. Any delay in the need for sedatives, bringing help into the home, or moving the patient from home to hospitalization is significant. Diagnosis may also make it possible to participate in clinical trials, when appropriate.

Lifestyle Adjustment: This is the time to pay attention to your lifestyle and make changes that can help improve your quality of life. Add sports activities, switch to a Mediterranean diet, balance blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, diabetes, and more.

Organization and legal arrangements in advance : It is not easy to think about the end of life, but a timely diagnosis allows you to use the time in the initial stage of the disease to organize the paperwork that will be required later, and to share the wishes of family members in the ways of treating complex situations towards the end of life. It is important to draw up a lasting power of attorney and a will. It is important to organize the financial and legal assets registered in the name of the person who was diagnosed.

Exercise of rights: A person with dementia is given various rights that should be taken advantage of to assist in long-term care, both financially and health-wise. More about patient rights.