Seniors experiencing a loss of autonomy
How to detect neurocognitive disorders and help someone close to you with their assessment and diagnosis
If someone close to you is acting strangely and you think they should be tested for neurocognitive disorders, here are a few tips to help you recognize the warning signs and get a diagnosis.
How to recognize the warning signs?
Neurocognitive disorders can develop slowly and be hard to detect in the early stages. Here are the most common warning signs that can help you detect the early symptoms of these disorders. Keep an eye out to see if the person is:
- forgetting recent events
- having trouble performing familiar tasks
- having difficulty speaking, forgetting words, or choosing the wrong words
- getting lost in familiar places
- becoming confused and having trouble reasoning
- having problems with abstract thinking
- misplacing things or putting them in unusual places
- experiencing mood swings
- showing changes in personality
- losing interest in their favourite activities
If the person displays any of these signs and you notice that they’re becoming more frequent, speak with a doctor right away. He or she may conduct a full assessment of the person's health and, if necessary, recommend a screening test for neurocognitive disorders.
Why is it beneficial to get a diagnosis?
Why is it bGetting tested for neurocognitive disorders can be a frightening experience. People might fear that their health condition will cause them to lose their autonomy or their driver’s licence, for example, or even some of their rights. They may also fear being labelled or considered incapable of functioning in society.
You can reassure them by explaining that getting a diagnosis will help them to:
- identify the nature of their symptoms and better understand their health
- maintain their quality of life and autonomy as much as possible
- prevent complications and avoid the worsening of their symptoms
- Understand and anticipate the advanced stages of the disease
Confirmation of a diagnosis will also let you, as a caregiver, start working quickly with a team of professionals, such as doctors, neurologists, occupational therapists, and social workers to:
- direct the person to the right care for their needs
- receive daily assistance (CLSC, Alzheimer Society, doctors, occupational therapists, etc.).
- obtain information about advance directives, designate a tutor, etc.
eneficial to get a diagnosis?
Preparing for a doctor’s assessment
It’s important to come prepared for the meeting with the doctor to ensure that the diagnosis is accurate.
Here are a few suggestions of ways to make the assessment go more smoothly:
- List all the symptoms identified (memory loss, confusion, mood swings, etc.), as well as their duration and frequency
- Have information about the person’s medical history and health, as well as a list of their medications
- Prepare a list of any questions you may have about the test or the diagnosis
- Make sure the person rests before the examination so that they can concentrate during the test
What to expect during the assessment
During the assessment, the doctor will review the person's medical history and ask them questions about their health.
If the doctor thinks it’s necessary, he or she will recommend a screening test for neurocognitive disorders, which can also include blood tests, a brain MRI, or various medical tests to rule out other possible causes.
The screening test for neurocognitive disorders lasts about an hour and a half. The person will have to answer a series of questions so that the doctor can assess their memory, planning, judgment, and reasoning. As a caregiver, you can accompany the person if they authorize you to do so.
The doctor will use all this information to reach a diagnosis. You’ll be called to the clinic or hospital within a few days to discuss the results and the next steps.
Getting a positive diagnosis
Getting a positive diagnosis of a neurocognitive disorder can be very difficult. The person you’re caring for may have a hard time accepting the diagnosis; they may be angry about the changes or anxious about the future.
As a caregiver, your primary role is to ensure that the person is safe and receives all the care and comfort they need. They’re also more likely to remain autonomous and maintain a good quality of life for a long time if they get the right help and support.
To better assist the person after the diagnosis, you can:
- help them manage their emotions and stress
- prepare their favourite activities
- encourage them to participate in support groups
- learn more about neurocognitive disorders
- learn more about therapeutic developments and clinical trials
- prepare for the future together, by making decisions about the person’s personal life, care, finances, and succession, and so on.
An error has occured. Please try again later.
Was the content helpful?
ANG - L’information présente sur cette page ne constitue pas un avis ou un conseil juridique. Nous vous indiquons ce que dit la loi au Québec de manière générale. Pour obtenir un avis ou un conseil juridique concernant votre situation personnelle, consultez un professionnel du droit.