This report focuses on the crucial and timely subject of diagnosis. Diagnosis is still a major challenge globally, with those who seek a diagnosis often experiencing long wait times, if they are able to receive a diagnosis at all. Societal stigma, self-stigma and clinician related stigma also exacerbate what is already a difficult journey.
With this report, we explore this diagnosis journey through the lens of those living with dementia and carers, clinicians, researchers and academics, and Alzheimer and dementia associations, as well as what can and must be improved.
In the report foreword, ADI CEO Paola Barbarino writes:
Dementia is now the 7th leading cause of mortality globally and, as we know from previous World Alzheimer Reports, one of those with the highest cost to society. There is a perfect storm gathering on the horizon and governments all over the world should get to grips with it.
World Alzheimer Report 2021: Chapter overviews
Chapter 1: What is dementia, why make a diagnosis and what are the current roadblocks?
Chapter 2: Who makes the diagnosis of dementia and how do you prepare for the assessment?
Read chapter 2
Chapter 3: Medical history and physical examination
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Chapter 4: Functional assessment
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Chapter 5: Mood and behavioural assessment
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Chapter 6: Cognitive assessments
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Chapter 7: Preliminary diagnosis of cognitive decline
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Chapter 8: General laboratory tests
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Chapter 9: Brain imaging using CT and MRI
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Chapter 10: Brain imaging using PET and SPECT
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Chapter 11: Spinal fluid
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Chapter 12: Genetic testing
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Chapter 13: Diagnostic tests: novel biomarkers
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Chapter 14: Differential diagnosis
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Chapter 15: Disclosure of results
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Chapter 16: Initial management following a diagnosis of dementia
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Chapter 17: Re-evaluation of diagnosis over time
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Chapter 18: Limited access to healthcare resources
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Chapter 19: Low education
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Chapter 20: Sex, gender and cultural factors
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Chapter 21: Impact of a world pandemic on the diagnosis of dementia
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Chapter 22: Multiple comorbidities
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Chapter 23: Young-onset dementias
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Chapter 24: Costs factors in diagnosing dementia
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Chapter 25: New challenges and opportunities in the diagnosis of dementia
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About the authors
This report has been overseen by the McGill University Research Centre in Studies in Aging and the McGill Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, specifically the Division of Geriatric Medicine and the Dementia Education Program, supported by the Office of Education Technology and Online Learning at the Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning. Together, they are leading complementary initiatives devoted to prevention, diagnostics, management, education, knowledge dissemination and support for care partners.