Diagnostic tests shed light on the processes underlying a medical condition. The main tests available at the memory clinic and their pros and cons are described below. The information is intended to be understandable for (your) patients and their relatives/caregivers.
General
Why:Diagnostic tests provide information about the processes underlying a medical condition. Diagnostic tests are arranged when we want to know more about what's wrong.
Pros:
Test results can
- Help us decide what care and medication are appropriate (e.g. what special care is indicated)
- Provide reassurance
- Explain symptoms
- Tell us more about the prognosis / how the patient’s symptoms are likely to progress
- Enable participation in scientific research
Cons:
Further testing can be a burden, for example, extra hospital visits may be needed. Also, even with the test results:
- The picture may remain unclear, especially if there are no clear signs of dementia at the moment
- We can't cure the underlying disease or halt its progress