The Dementia Diagnostic Unit is aimed at all those people with memory loss or other symptoms of cognitive impairment who need an accurate initial diagnosis of their process or a second opinion after a previous evaluation.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnostic process is carried out in a single act in which professionals from different specialties take part and in which the following evaluation, neuroimaging and laboratory tests necessary to reach the diagnostic conclusion are carried out in a personalized, planned and coordinated manner:
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Consists of the application of a battery of tests with which the state of the main mental functions is assessed: memory, language, reasoning, calculation, reading, writing, attention, orientation, recognition, motor skills…
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
Values the ability of the person to perform the tasks necessary for self-care and to maintain their independence: eating, grooming, dressing, handling money, working, traveling…
BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT
Detects the presence of affective and behavioral disorders: hallucinations, delirium, anxiety, depression, irritability, aggressiveness, apathy, disinhibition, excessive motor activity, sleep disturbances and appetite…
![](https://ianec.es/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/DSC_5613-1.jpg)
![Brain-Scans Brain-Scans](https://ianec.es/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Brain-Scans-620x429.jpg)
Neuroimaging test
Brain neuroimaging techniques provide a picture of the brain and have great value in making a positive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Depending on the particular characteristics of each case, different techniques may be used:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
- Single photon emission tomography (SPECT).
Laboratory tests
A general blood test is requested that includes some special data in order to rule out processes that may cause brain alterations.
![](https://ianec.es/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/laboratorio.jpg)
Clinical report
The results of the evaluation process are recorded in writing in a diagnostic report that includes all the assessments and explorations carried out to arrive at the clinical formulation. It also contains an intervention and follow-up plan with specific and personalized recommendations aimed at both the patient and his or her relatives.