Getting a dementia diagnosis

Noticing memory changes in yourself or someone you love can be scary. It is tempting to put off a checkup. But memory problems have many causes, and some of them can be treated.¹

Getting checked is the only way to know what is going on. This page walks through the usual steps, who does what, and what each test can and cannot tell you. Each step has its own page with more detail.

When is it time to get checked?

Some forgetfulness is a normal part of getting older. You may be slower to recall a name or misplace your glasses now and then.¹

It is time to see a doctor when changes keep happening or get in the way of daily life. Signs include:¹

• Asking the same questions over and over
• Getting lost in a place you know well
• Trouble following a recipe or directions
• More confusion about time, people or places
• Not keeping up with eating, bathing or safety

If you are unsure, it is still worth asking. A checkup that finds nothing serious is good news. It also gives the doctor a starting point to compare with later.

The usual steps

A full evaluation often takes more than one visit. In late 2024, the Alzheimer's Association published its first broad guideline on how doctors should do this work, in both family practice and specialty clinics.³ It describes a step-by-step process that starts with your goals and ends with a clear talk about the results.

1. Talk about goals. The doctor asks what worries you and what you want to learn. A family member or friend usually joins.³
2. Medical history. You go over symptoms, when they started, how they affect daily life, and risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking and family history.³
3. Exam. A physical and neurological exam, often with a check for depression.²
4. Thinking tests. Short tests look at memory, attention and problem-solving.²
5. Lab tests and a brain scan. Blood tests and an MRI or CT scan look for other conditions that may be adding to the problem.³
6. More tests if needed. Some people get newer tests that look for Alzheimer's proteins, such as a PET scan, spinal fluid test or blood test.^3,7
7. Results and next steps. The doctor explains what was found, what is still unknown, and what to do next.³

The doctor is trying to answer three questions. How much are thinking skills affected (for example, mild cognitive impairment or dementia)? What pattern of symptoms is there? And what disease or condition is most likely causing it?³ That answer shapes treatment. See types of dementia.

Where to start: the first doctor visit

For most people, the first stop is a primary care doctor. If you have Medicare, the yearly Wellness Visit includes a check for signs of dementia. You pay nothing for it if your doctor accepts Medicare's approved amount. It is covered once every 12 months.⁵

If the doctor sees a concern, Medicare Part B also covers a separate, longer visit. It includes a review of your history and medicines, a diagnosis, a care plan, help with advance care planning and referrals to specialists or community programs. You usually pay 20% after the Part B deductible.⁶ You can bring someone with you.⁶

To get ready, read the first doctor visit about memory. It covers what to bring and what to ask.

What the tests do

Memory and thinking tests. Short tests are done in the office. Longer, more detailed testing is done by a neuropsychologist (a psychologist trained in how the brain affects thinking and behavior). Scores can be affected by education, language and culture. If English is not your first language, ask for a test in your own language or a trained medical interpreter, not a family member.

Biomarker tests. A biomarker is a measurable sign of what is happening in the body. These tests look for amyloid (a sticky protein that builds up between brain cells) and tau (a protein that forms tangles inside brain cells).⁴ Until the early 2000s, Alzheimer's could only be confirmed after death. Now these changes can be seen in living people.⁴

But some people have amyloid and never get symptoms. So these tests are meant for people who already have memory or thinking problems.⁴

Blood tests for Alzheimer's. As of October 2026, the FDA has cleared at least three blood tests to help diagnose Alzheimer's. The newest, cleared in August 2026, can be used in adults as young as 40 who have symptoms.⁸ A blood test alone cannot diagnose Alzheimer's.⁸ Expert guidance from 2025 says it should come after a full evaluation, mainly in memory clinics. The experts also warned that many tests on the market did not meet their accuracy standards.⁷ See blood tests for Alzheimer's before you ask for one.

PET scans and Medicare. In 2023, Medicare dropped its national rule limiting amyloid PET scans to one per lifetime. Local Medicare contractors now decide coverage.¹¹ Coverage for some biomarker tests still varies, so ask before testing.⁴

Genes. Genetic testing is not a routine part of diagnosis. It is mostly for people with early onset and a strong family history, along with genetic counseling.⁴ See genes and dementia.

Which doctor to see

Your primary care doctor can often do the first steps. Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist (a brain and nerve doctor).¹ It is reasonable to ask for a referral if the picture is unclear, symptoms started before age 65, or you are thinking about new treatments.

Other specialists include geriatricians (doctors for older adults), geriatric psychiatrists and neuropsychologists. Some hospitals have memory clinics with a whole team. Wait times can be long, so ask early. See which specialist to see for how to find one and how to get a second opinion.

If symptoms are getting worse over weeks or a few months, ask for an urgent appointment. Read dementia that gets worse fast.

Why an early answer helps

A diagnosis is hard news. But knowing early can help in real ways:⁹

• Treatment. Some causes can be fixed. For early Alzheimer's, newer drugs like lecanemab and donanemab can slow decline a modest amount, and only in the early stage. See are anti-amyloid treatments right for us?
• Research. More clinical trials are open to people early on.
• Planning. The person can still make legal, money and health care choices and name someone to decide for them later. See power of attorney and advance directives.
• Safety. Families have time to plan around driving and other risks.
• Support. Families can find help sooner. Some people with dementia and their caregivers can join Medicare's GUIDE program. It offers care navigation, a 24/7 support line, caregiver training and up to $2,500 a year for respite care.^6,12

If the first answer is "not sure," that is common. NIA suggests a memory recheck every 6 to 12 months for people with memory problems.¹ Changes over time help the doctor see what is going on.

After the diagnosis

The first weeks can bring shock, grief and sometimes relief at having an answer. Take it one step at a time. After the diagnosis: the first 30 days has a simple checklist. You may also want to read about the stages of dementia and caring for someone with dementia.

If the news leaves you or a family member feeling hopeless or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 any time to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Pages in this section

• The first doctor visit about memory
• Memory and thinking tests
• Blood tests for Alzheimer's
• Brain scans: MRI, CT, PET
• Spinal fluid (lumbar puncture) test
• Genes and dementia: APOE and family risk
• Which specialist to see
• After the diagnosis: the first 30 days

In this section

Education only. This page is general information written from the sources listed. It is not medical, legal or financial advice and does not replace a doctor, therapist or lawyer who knows your situation. How we write and check pages.