Brain Health Screening

The most common form of dementia, a progressive neurodegenerative brain disease characterised by the deposition of beta-amyloid and tau protein. It manifests mainly by memory impairment, confusion, difficulties in abstract thinking and a gradual loss of independence. Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease: neuropsychological tests to assess memory and cognitive functions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) is used to rule out other causes of dementia. Analysis of biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (beta-amyloid, tau protein) has for many years been established as a standard test to confirm the diagnosis.

A combination of several types of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Symptoms include both memory problems and executive deficits. Diagnosis of mixed dementia: MRI and CT often reveal both neurodegenerative changes (brain atrophy) and vascular changes (infarcts, leukoaraiosis). Neuropsychological tests evaluate both episodic memory (characteristic of Alzheimer's) and executive functions (characteristic of vascular dementia).

This group includes dementia associated with metabolic diseases (e.g. vitamin deficiencies, hypothyroidism), post-traumatic dementia, as well as Huntington's disease and AIDS-related dementias. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Diagnostics: to diagnose metabolic dementia, blood tests are performed (vitamin B12, TSH, glucose levels). Post-traumatic dementia is diagnosed from medical history and post-traumatic lesions visible on MRI or CT images. Huntington's disease is diagnosed with a genetic test. AIDS-related dementia is diagnosed on the basis of virological tests and MRI demonstrating characteristic cerebral cortical atrophy.

Caused by damaged blood vessels in the brain, often associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke. It manifests as a sudden onset followed by gradual deterioration of executive functions, slowed thinking, and difficulties with concentration. Diagnosis of vascular dementia: MRI or CT shows ischaemic lesions, strokes, extensive leukoaraiosis. Neuropsychological tests are performed focusing on executive functions and attention. Also examined are cardiovascular risk factors (lipid profile, glucose, blood pressure).

It is characterised by fluctuations in cognitive function, visual hallucinations and parkinsonian symptoms (muscle stiffness, tremors). Also associated with REM sleep disorders and hypersensitivity to neuroleptic drugs. Diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies: neuropsychological tests (e.g., MMSE, MoCA) are used to evaluate deficits in attention and visual-spatial function. MRI and CT can be used to exclude other causes of dementia. Polysomnography may confirm REM sleep disorders.

Its onset usually occurs in younger individuals (50–60 years) and is manifested by behavioural changes, impulsivity, loss of inhibitions, apathy, and speech disorders such as primary progressive aphasia. Diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia: MRI and CT show atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes. Neuropsychological tests are used to evaluate language function and impulse control. Genetic testing is also an option to detect familial forms of the disease.

It develops in people with Parkinson's disease, usually in its advanced stages. It manifests as slow thinking, trouble concentrating, memory disorders, and visual hallucinations. Diagnosis of dementia due to Parkinson's disease: neuropsychological tests are used to evaluate attention and memory disorders. MRI and CT are used to rule out other causes of dementia.