How important is the early diagnosis of dementia?
Early diagnosis is important because there are many things that can mimic dementia, and some of these have to be dealt with and treated in different ways. These can range from brain tumours to a condition called hydrocephalus. There are many things that we need to understand that can be ultimately addressed in a different way. It’s also important because for the patient’s well-being one needs to put in place a plan in full discussion with them, and their family, and loved ones about how best to manage this problem going forward. And it’s often a ton of resolution of uncertainty for the patient because they have a sense that things aren’t right, their family feel that things aren’t right, and yet they don’t know why. And often to put a name to something is part of a very important process of understanding it, and then getting help.