DIAGNOSIS
Physicians can almost consistently know that you have dementia, however there’s no particular test that confirm if you have subcortical dementia. Your physician will know about whether subcortical dementia is the most probable reason for your symptoms based on your medical history and your test results.
Tests may include the following:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar
The physician may likewise suggest tests to preclude other potential reasons for memory loss, such as:
- Thyroid disorders
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Neurological exam
Your physician may also check your general neurological status by testing your:
- Reflexes
- Muscle tone and strength, and how strength on one side of your body compares with the other side
- Ability to get up from a chair and walk across the room
- Sense of touch and sight
- Coordination
- Balance
- Brain imaging
Brain imaging can pinpoint problems brought about by strokes, blood vessel problems, tumors or injury that may cause changes in cognition. These imaging tests may include the following:
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Carotid ultrasound
Neuropsychological tests may also be done.
TREATMENT
Treatment usually centers around dealing with the health problems and risk factors that add to subcortical dementia.
Controlling conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels can moderate the rate at which subcortical dementia deteriorates, and may likewise prevent further damage. Your doctor may give you medicines to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reducecholesterol level
- Prevent your blood from clotting
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
