Diagnosis
Dementia information
It is important to get a diagnosis of dementia as soon as possible, so that the right treatment and support can be given. If you are worried about symptoms of dementia, your health or someone else’s, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
In this section:
How is primary progressive aphasia (PPA) diagnosed?
After some initial tests, if your doctor suspects PPA or another form of dementia, they may send you to a memory clinic.
Here, a doctor or nurse will run through more detailed tests with you.
These may include:
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Questions about your symptoms and medical history.
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Speaking to your partner or someone close to you about the problems you are having.
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A physical check-up.
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Assessments of your thinking and language skills, memory and other aspects such as behaviour.
Sometimes, this will be with a specialist speech and language therapist or psychologist.
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A brain scan, usually MRI.
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Possibly blood tests or other specialist tests such as a lumbar puncture.
Together, these will help a doctor to work out what is causing the speech and language difficulties and other symptoms.
PPA is a rare type of dementia, not often seen by doctors. This means it may take longer than usual to get the right diagnosis.
When someone gets a diagnosis of PPA, they may want to make plans for the future. This includes decisions about working, driving, care options, legal and money matters.
Dad had all these tests and I remember going to see the specialist’s office. It took around 18 months from initial appointment to get his PPA diagnosis.
- Ben, whose dad was diagnosed with PPA
Downloads
Dementia information
Read more about treatments for dementia, including information on treating depression, anxiety and agitation and for information on antipsychotics.
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PDF, 1.16 MB, 13 pages
Find out more
You can find out more about current diagnosis and treatments for each type of dementia on the following pages:
Order health information
Alzheimer's Research UK has a wide range of information about dementia. Order booklets or download them from our online form.
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This information was updated in April 2025 and is due to be reviewed in April 2027. It was written by Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Information Services team with input from lay and expert reviewers. Please get in touch if you’d like a version with references or in a different format.
This information is produced with support from The Perfume Shop who had no input into the content.
