# What are the first steps to take if I suspect a family member has dementia? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/alzheimers-dementia-first-steps-suspected-dementia-family-member Language: en Category: neurology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.329Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.329Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/alzheimers-dementia-first-steps-suspected-dementia-family-member If you suspect that a family member has dementia, the first and most crucial step is to schedule an appointment with a doctor. The doctor can evaluate the symptoms, conduct necessary tests to rule out other potential causes of memory or thinking problems, and guide you toward the correct diagnosis and appropriate care options [\[1\]](). ## Why is early diagnosis important? Dementia is a loss of mental functions that significantly affects daily life and activities, and it is not considered a normal part of aging [\[1\]](). Early diagnosis can help identify the type of dementia, as there are different types such as Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia [\[1\]](). Although there is no cure for most types of dementia, available treatments may help maintain mental function for longer, manage behavioral symptoms, and slow the progression of the disease [\[1\]](). Early diagnosis also allows the family to plan for the future and make informed decisions regarding care and support [\[1\]](). ## What to expect during the medical visit? During the visit, the doctor will take a detailed medical history, including asking about the symptoms you have noticed and changes in the family member's behavior or abilities [\[1\]](). The assessment may also include a physical examination and tests to evaluate cognitive abilities such as thinking, memory, and language [\[1\]](). The doctor may also order additional tests such as blood work, genetic testing, or brain imaging (such as CT scans or MRIs) to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to dementia, such as tumors, strokes, or bleeding [\[2\]](). It is also important to conduct a mental health assessment to rule out psychiatric disorders such as depression, which may contribute to the appearance of symptoms [\[1\]](). ## Signs that require attention Dementia symptoms vary depending on which parts of the brain are affected, but forgetfulness is often the first symptom [\[1\]](). Other signs that may indicate dementia include problems with the ability to think, solve problems, and reason [\[1\]](). The person may have difficulty completing daily tasks they once performed independently, get lost in familiar places, use unusual words to refer to familiar objects, or forget the names of family members and close friends [\[1\]](). Personality changes or difficulty controlling emotions may also occur [\[1\]](). ## Care and support options After diagnosis, the doctor can discuss available treatment options. These options may include medications that might temporarily improve memory and thinking or slow their decline, although they do not work for everyone [\[1\]](). Other medications may also be used to treat symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep problems [\[1\]](). In addition to medication, occupational therapy may be recommended to help facilitate daily activities, speech therapy to address swallowing or speaking difficulties, and mental health counseling to support people with dementia and their families in managing difficult emotions and behaviors and planning for the future [\[1\]](). For more information on this topic, you can visit [Alzheimer's and Dementia: Early Symptoms, Causes, and Care Strategies (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Dementia]() - [Dementia]() - [7 Things To Know About Dietary Supplements for Cognitive Function, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/alzheimers-dementia-first-steps-suspected-dementia-family-member#answer