Our consultant radiologists use some of the most technologically advanced MRI scanners to provide accurate examinations of the inside of your body.
Dementia
What is dementia
Dementia describes a set of symptoms which are associated with an ongoing decline of brain functions. These symptoms can include memory loss, and difficulties with problems solving and language. These symptoms may appear gradually, but can start to affect a person's every day life.
There are different causes of dementia, and many different types including:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia.
- Parkinson's disease
Need to know
There are many different types of dementia, but they have some similar symptoms and usually as the condition progresses, it may start to impact:
- memory loss
- thinking speed
- mental agility
- language
- understanding
- judgement
- mood
- movement
- carrying out daily activities
You may also struggle to control their emotions and lose interest in social situations.
If you are concerned about a loved one, it's important to raise these issues on their behalf. You or they may be asked to take neurological tests such as a memory test, which may be repeated at regular intervals. This is to see if there have been changes in memory.
Additional tests, such as blood tests and MRI scans, can also help to rule out any other illnesses such as a stroke or bleeding or tumours.
Your consultant will discuss your dementia treatment options. The following options may be discussed:
- Medication. While dementia cannot be cured, medication can help improve some of the symptoms such as dizziness, and memory loss.
- Therapy. Working with an occupational therapist to make the home environment safer can also help. They can also advise you how to help a loved one with dementia, and tell you what to expect as the illness progresses.
- Other therapies such as art, music and pet therapy can provide mental stimulation for someone with dementia.
Dementia tests & scans
MRI scan
CT scan
Computed tomography (CT) scan is sometimes referred to as a CAT scan and shows detailed 2D and 3D images of your organs, blood vessels and bones.
Our Dementia locations
The Wellington Neurological Rehabilitation Centre
Patient stories
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.