My mother's primary doctor, and then her neurologist, have only used the terms 'dementia' and 'cognitive impairment' as her diagnoses. They aren't focused on determining the specific type of dementia, or what stage it is. I'm ok with this for now. Getting her officially diagnosed with dementia was important to me in order to begin taking over certain responsibilities for her, but the particulars don't seem necessary for my mother's care at this time. (If things change, then I'll follow up w/the doctors.)
What is the importance of the diagnosis -- or lack of one -- for you?
The tests are expensive and the patients often balk at the cost.
In the media, they seem to use Alzheimer's almost as a synonym for dementia. And you NEVER seem to hear the word 'senile' anymore, for some reason.