A 32-year-old male asked:
Is it true dementia/mci is not based on cognitive screening alone? it requires an expert opinion from the clinician taking into account multiple data points?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Donald Colantinoanswered
Internal Medicine 63 years experience
You are quite correct. True dementia is beyond simple cognitive screening. This diagnosis requires more detailed mental testing, exclusion of depression, hearing& visual disabilities, occasional screening for environmental & language barriers,presence of toxicities,vitamin & thyroid deficiencies, side effects from medications, etc. Neuropsychiatric evaluators are key.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Sep 10, 2022
Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 47 years experience
Agree with Dr. Colantino, as causes for reversible cognitive disorders need to be excluded prior to making a diagnosis of dementia, such as Alzheimer's.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Sep 10, 2022
Last updated Sep 10, 2022
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