If You See Signs And Symptoms Of Dementia
If you suspect your loved one has dementia, diagnosis and treatment are important.
Who Can Make A Diagnosis?
Visiting a family doctor is often the first step for people who are experiencing changes in thinking, movement, or behaviour. Let them know that you have concerns about your memory or of any cognitive symptoms.
There are generally 3 groups of specialists that they may refer you to for a diagnosis:
- Neurologists: Doctors who specialize in disorders of the brain and nervous system
- Geriatricians: Doctors who have additional training in treating older adults, especially those 65 and up
- Geriatric psychiatrists: Doctors who focus on prevention, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in the elderly
Seeking A Diagnosis
You may obtain a professional diagnosis by:
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Geriatric Medicine Clinic [basement 1]
11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng Singapore 308433
Tel: 6359 6100
Fax: 6359 6101
Institute of Mental Health
Psychogeriatric Clinic
10 Buangkok View Singapore 539747
Tel: 6389 2200
Fax: 6385 1075
National University Hospital
Neuroscience Clinic
5b Lower Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119074
Tel: 6779 5555
Fax: 6779 5678
Changi General Hospital
Geriatric Clinic
2 Simei Street 3 Singapore 529889
Tel: 6850 3510
Fax: 6787 2141
Singapore General Hospital
Department of Neurology
Outram Road Singapore 169036
Tel: 6321 4377
Fax: 6220 3321
Email: appointments@sgh.com.sg
NNI @ TTSH Campus
Neuroscience Clinic, Level 1
National Neuroscience Institute
11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng Singapore 308433
Tel: (65) 6357 7095
Fax: (65) 6357 7103
Email: appointments@nni.com.sg
Ng Teng Fong Hospital
Geriatric Medicine
1 Jurong East Street 21 Singapore 609606
Tel: 6716 2000 (24 hours)
Tel: 6716 2222 (appointment)
Approaching local General practitioners (GPs) and Polyclinics who are certified to support and provide mental health assessments and diagnosis.
Dementia Helpline by Dementia Singapore: 6377 0700
AIC Hotline: 1800 650 6060
HealthLine by Health Promotion Board (HPB): 1800-223-1313
How To Start A Conversation About Getting A Diagnosis
If you suspect your loved one may have dementia, or is displaying the described signs and symptoms, you should get them diagnosed and treated.
However, starting a conversation with someone on the issue of memory loss and possibly dementia may require sensitive consideration. Often, someone experiencing the signs and symptoms of dementia may feel worried, helpless or in denial.
To encourage someone to talk when you are worried about how their memory loss has affected them, you can:
- Have the conversation in a familiar and relaxing place.
- Cite examples of their behaviour to initiate awareness.
- Have a frank conversation to discuss their needs and issues.
You do not need to get the person to agree to visit a doctor for a diagnosis in just one session. This is a difficult development to process, so it may take some time for the person to accept it.
Here are some questions that you may use to start the conversation:
- You seem worried; how can I help?
- You don’t seem yourself today, how are you feeling?
- Are you ok? You seem to be concerned about something.
Being diagnosed with dementia may come as a surprise to someone at first. However, with a clear diagnosis, persons living with dementia can get the information and support needed to manage the symptoms.
Although there is currently no cure for dementia, early treatment and management makes it possible to slow down the rate of deterioration.
Depending on your loved one’s comfort level, sharing concerns with family members early in the conversation can:
- Coax your loved one to obtain a diagnosis and seek support.
- Prepare family members early for the caregiving role.
- Help both yourself and your loved one plan for the future ahead.
