brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Vascular Dementia
Diagnosis of Vascular Dementia
A doctor's evaluation for dementia Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging The diagnosis of vascular dementia is similar to that of other dementias. Doctors must determine whether a person has dementia and, if so, whether the dementia is vascular dementia. A diagnosis of dementia is based on the following: Symptoms, which are identified by asking the person and family members or other caregivers questions Results of a physical examination Results of mental status testing Results of additional tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Mental Status , consisting of simple questions and tasks, helps doctors determine whether people have dementia. Neuropsychologic testing, which is more detailed, is sometimes needed. This testing covers all the main areas of mental function, including mood, and usually takes 1 to 3 hours. This testing helps doctors distinguish dementia from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as Dementia , Information from the above sources helps doctors usually rule out delirium as the cause of symptoms (see table Comparing Delirium and Dementia ). Doing so is essential because delirium, unlike dementia, can often be reversed if promptly treated. Once dementia is diagnosed, doctors suspect vascular dementia in people who have risk factors for or symptoms of a stroke. Then doctors do a thorough evaluation to check for Diagnosis . CT or MRI is done to check for evidence of a stroke. Laboratory tests are done to check for diabetes, high lipid levels, and other disorders that increase the risk of stroke and disorders that affect blood vessels and blood flow (vascular disorders). Results of these tests can support the diagnosis of vascular dementia but are not definitive. Genetic tests using a sample of blood may be done to check for hereditary vascular dementias. However, sometimes a skin biopsy can be done instead to confirm the diagnosis of some of these dementias (such as CADASIL). 