How can i tell if my elderly mom has dementia or alzheimer's?

Geriatric psychiatry: You might be noticing that your mother seems more forgetful of recent events, asks the same question over ; over, gets lost in familiar places, etc. This is not a diagnosis, though. Your mother needs a thorough evaluation with a geriatric psychiatrist who can talk with her, and get diagnostic tests. Some conditions are reversible, and also early treatment of dementia may slow the process.

Cluster of symptoms: Dementia involves brain dysfunction and decline in the ability to do things one used to know how to do. Alzheimer's is the most common type and involves problems forming memories, getting lost in familiar places and word finding problems early on. If symptoms are interfering with functioning, see a medical professional for a diagnosis. Other problems need to be ruled out.