Neurologist or Neuropsychologist
Neurologists diagnose and treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, including dementia. A neurologist may order a range of tests if they suspect you could have dementia, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to see how your brain may be changing, and blood tests to provide clues about what’s going on with various organs and body systems, which might point to conditions other than dementia. Your neurologist might talk to family and friends (with your permission) to add context to test results.
A neuropsychologist is a healthcare provider who has specialized knowledge of how brain conditions affect your behavior and cognitive skills. Your neurologist may ask a neuropsychologist to complete certain tests, such as surveys and questionnaires to measure different types of thinking, including memory, planning, and language.
Altogether, these tests can help determine whether you have dementia and which type. Some neurologists share their findings directly with the person with dementia and their care circle; others might ask your PCP to speak with you. It’s common for a neurologist to make a diagnosis and then allow other clinicians to manage your care.
Questions to ask a neurologist or neuropsychologist include:
- “What tests will help you make the best diagnosis?”
- “Will you share the diagnosis with me or the healthcare provider who referred me to you?”
- “Will you continue to be a part of my healthcare team after today?”
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