Dementia is a "catch all" term that is used to describe a decline in cognitive skills or mental function. There are a number of different types of dementia including Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, often characterized by mini-strokes, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy dementia, Huntington's disease dementia, Pick's disease dementia, alcohol-associated dementia, dementia due to infections such as late stage AIDS, dementia due to a brain tumor, and normal-pressure hydrocephalus dementia. Some temporary conditions can resemble dementia such as delirium.

There are also "Pseudo dementias". These are conditions that look like dementia, but are reversible such as depression, Vitamin B12 deficiency, an under active thyroid gland, and improper use of medications. Although not exhaustive, this list demonstrates that there are many types of dementia that can create memory loss, changes in personality, difficulty using language, and disorientation that can cause difficulties with everyday activities.

Because an accurate diagnosis of the type and cause of dementia is important, it is recommended that a physician be consulted early on about any concerns with memory, thinking skills, and behavior changes. You may even want to ask for a referral to a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The diagnostic process typically includes a medical history, a mental status evaluation, a physical exam, a neurological exam, laboratory tests, and a psychiatric evaluation.

Other tests that may be ordered are an EEG (electroencephalogram), CT (computerized tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography), and SPECT (single proton emission computed tomography).

You can learn more about the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada's web site at http://www.alzheimers.ca.