How is Dementia diagnosed?

First of all, there's a series of questions a Neurologist will ask and an MRI will show damage in the brain. I just went through it, however, my Mother went to the primary dr first and he just prescribed meds without testing. We then took his to the Neurologist to receive the proper care. So don't waste time with your PCP!

Also, make sure she gets the MRI, a CT scan won't show enough of the damage to the brain. This is what I was told from our doctor. Good luck with your Mom.
Margaret M.

Hi Oregon, my father has not yet been diagnosed. Unfortunately, the doctor, in June, said that father has a sharp mind - this without any real memory test. Therefore, I route to get POA got derailed.

Here are some threads that I thought you might find useful:

An article “How to Know if Your Parent has Dementia” from AC on your question.
It covers the different stages like the definition, the treatment options, etc… When you click on it, also read the posters’ comments. This way, you learn how others agree or differ from the article.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/warning-signs-of-dementia-to-look-for-139753.htm

This was a question asked by another poster like you…
https://www.agingcare.com/questions/How-is-dementia-diagnosed-and-how-bad-do-the-symptoms-get-145777.htm

The only absolutely definitive diagnosis of type of dementia would be done after death, through autopsy. Before that diagnosis is made based on symptoms and various tests. For example, my husband was diagnosed with "probable Lewy Body Dementia." His autopsy confirmed that.

As I understand it, this type of dementia would not show up in an MRI.

Did the neurologist who treats your mother's Parkinson's disease also diagnose the dementia? Parkinson's with Dementia (PDD) is about the same as Dementia with Lewy Bodies. What it gets called depends on which symptoms came first. If this is what your mother has you will find very helpful information at LBDA.org