Dementia
Dementia describes a group of progressive conditions that affect memory, reasoning, language, and daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and mixed dementia are the most common types of dementia. Early identification gives patients and families more time to plan, access treatments, and implement supportive strategies.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our geriatric specialists take a compassionate, comprehensive approach to evaluating memory concerns and supporting long-term care needs.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Dementia symptoms usually appear gradually and may be subtle at first. Individuals often notice an increase in forgetfulness, misplacing items, losing track of dates or events, or having more difficulty managing daily tasks like finances or medications. As the condition progresses, changes in mood, judgment, or behavior may become more noticeable.
During your initial evaluation, your geriatrician will take a comprehensive approach to understanding these concerns. This includes:
- Reviewing your medical history, daily functioning, and any recent changes in memory or behavior
- Speaking with a family member or caregiver to gather additional observations
- Screening for depression, sleep problems, or medications that may affect thinking
- Performing cognitive testing to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills
- Conducting a physical and neurological exam to identify signs of specific dementia types
Diagnosis & Risk Assessment
Diagnosing dementia involves ruling out reversible causes and identifying the specific condition affecting memory and cognition. Your geriatrician may recommend:
- Cognitive assessments, such as the MMSE or MoCA, are used to measure memory and thinking abilities1
- Blood tests to check for thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, infections, or metabolic issues that can mimic dementia
- Brain imaging (MRI or CT scan) to look for strokes, structural changes, or patterns associated with different dementia types
- A detailed medication review to identify drugs that may worsen confusion or memory problems
- Evaluation of vascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels, which may contribute to vascular dementia
The results from these tests help your care team at The Medical Group of New Jersey determine the underlying cause of cognitive decline and develop an individualized treatment and support plan.
1. Kistler-Fischbacher, Melanie, et al. “Cognitive Function in Generally Healthy Adults Age 70 Years and Older in the 5-Country DO-HEALTH Study: MMSE and MoCA Scores by Sex, Education and Country.” Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, vol. 37, no. 1, 17 Mar. 2025.
Treatment & Management
Although dementia cannot be cured, proactive management improves safety, independence, and quality of life. Treatment may include:
- Medications such as donepezil, rivastigmine, or memantine
- Behavioral and environmental strategies to reduce confusion
- Sleep and routine optimization
- Cognitive stimulation and structured daily activities
Caregiver support is an essential part of treatment, and our team provides ongoing education, resources, and future care planning.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
Regular follow-up visits are essential to track changes in cognition, adjust medications as needed, and address important safety concerns such as driving, home safety, and fall risk. These visits also provide an opportunity to support long-term planning and ensure that both the patient and family receive ongoing education and guidance.