What should you do next?
Make an appointment with your primary care provider
Make a history of symptoms that includes when each symptom started, examples of each symptom, and note if they have worsened over time.
Discuss with your primary care provider having brain imaging, bloodwork, or other testing done.
If your primary care provider is unable to make a diagnosis, ask about a referral to a dementia specialist.
Is there any treatment?
Yes, however there is no cure at this time.
As above, some types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, can be treated with medications that slow down the progression of the disease and preserve function longer. Hallucinations, motor symptoms, mood disturbance, or personality changes can also be medically managed. Mood and personality changes can be behaviorally managed, too. Other motor symptoms can be treated with physical and occupational therapy to maximize independence within the limits of safety, and a swallow study may be ordered with additional recommendations from a speech therapist.
Additional Considerations if you receive a diagnosis of dementia
Complete and sign forms for medical Power of Attorney and financial Power of Attorney (POA).
Discuss with a lawyer who is specialized in estate law or elder law whether having a living trust would be beneficial and settle any outstanding legal and financial issues (link to Bar Association of Maine)
Be part of the decision making process for possible future steps, e.g., go visit assisted living facilities and memory care centers, discuss your wishes for burial vs cremation, religious services, and/or celebration of life plans. Make your opinions known while you have the capacity to do so.
Once all of your “homework” above is completed, go live your best life in the time that you have remaining.