What to do
What should you do if you observe one or more of these symptoms, perhaps presenting in a mild form, in yourself or someone close to you?
Time is a crucial factor in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. Maintaining satisfactory independence in daily tasks, a good quality of life and avoiding rapid cognitive decline is more likely when pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are implemented promptly. For this reason, if you notice the appearance of one or more symptoms, it is advisable to consult your doctor or a specialised centre for the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive disorders where you can be assessed, receive advice and, if necessary, treatment.
Find the nearest centre
The Dementia Observatory provides an online Map of Services for dementia care on its website. By selecting your region and province, you can access a list of available services, including Centres for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (CDCD), Day Centers and Residential Facilities.
The Diagnostic Process
If you suspect that you or someone close to you may have a cognitive disorder, the first step is to pay attention to specific signs and symptoms. What should you look out for? Here are some examples:
Memory issues- especially when recalling recent events- orientation, or language. For example, is it difficult to remember recent episodes, upcoming appointments or following prescribed therapies? Is it troublesome to find one’s way in familiar places (such as when grocery shopping or during similar routine chores) or recalling words, object names or people’s names?
Difficulty to manage money, household chores, personal hygiene and other day-to-day activities that up until that moment were performed independently.
Mood changes- more aggression or apathy, episodes of anxiety or depression, reduced social interactions- or behavioural changes- excessive alcohol, cigarette or food consumption.
Hallucinations or delirium.
If you notice these symptoms, particularly if you pick up on more on multiple occasions, it is important to visit your general practitioner (GP) as soon as possible. During the visit it is helpful to discuss in as much detail as possible the symptoms observed- their nature, frequency and whether others noticed them as well.
After this initial assessment, the doctor may recommend a specialist consultation and refer or signpost you to a Centre for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (CDCD) where you can book an appointment. If you are not comfortable communicating in Italian during the specialist visit, consider bringing a family member or friend to assist so you can ensure to be able to discuss your circumstances in detail with the doctor and better understand the next steps you might need to take. If no one is available, ask the centre if an interpreter can be arranged.
Do not delay booking the specialist consultation after the visit with your GP. You can book by calling your region’s Central Booking Center (CUP)- a line dedicated to managing visit and exam requests- or your local health authority (ASL). If you encounter difficulties with the booking process, you can seek assistance, even from your GP.
When booking, make sure to ask questions about what to expect and how to prepare for the visit. For example, you may be advised to: create a log of your symptoms, their occurrences and frequency, in a notebook; recall any family history of cognitive decline; bring previous medical records (e.g., blood tests, specialist reports, or scans) so you may need to find these. Remember to ask for the availability of an interpreter or cultural mediator at the centre that can assist during the visit.
In the days leading up to the visit, it might help to make a list of any questions or concerns you have and bring this with you so you’re sure to address these. Some useful questions to ask might include:
What does cognitive decline or dementia mean, and what are the implications?
What should I expect in the coming weeks or months?
What tests will I need?
Should I change my habits or lifestyle? If so, how?
Do I need to make any adjustments at home?
Should I consider getting full-time care to help with daily tasks like personal hygiene and meals?
During the specialist visit the doctor may conduct tests, request further evaluations (e.g., brain imaging), or schedule follow-up exams before making a definitive diagnosis. If you are not confident in your ability to communicate or understand everything the doctor says, ensure someone who knows you and speaks Italian or English sufficiently well accompanies you.
Before leaving the CDCD, inquire about available services and support options, and how to access these. If necessary, request contact information for a social worker to assist with legal and bureaucratic matters, such as:
Applying for your disability to be recognised and for disability benefits, in line with law n. 104/92.
Requesting work leave or permits.
Obtaining parking and mobility permits.
Assessing the need for a guardian or trustee.
Don’t forget to book follow-up appointments and request phone or message reminders for upcoming visits.
After receiving test results and a diagnosis, the specialist doctor may prescribe a pharmacological treatment. Ensure to return to your GP for another visit so you can discuss all this information and the next steps.
Useful links
A step by step guide created by the Veneto region
What to expect, what to do and how to manage the condition
Independent Province of Trento- Alzheimer Vade Mecum- 2023 Edition
Indications on prevention, diagnosis and patient care for Alzheimer and other types of dementia