Getting a dementia diagnosis

Forgetfulness is the most common symptom of dementia, but becoming a bit forgetful is part of the natural ageing process for many people.

There are many factors that can lead to forgetfulness. For example, retirement can bring a significant change to the routine of an individual, as can losing a loved one. As a result, we may not register information as well as we usually would, and this can take several months to overcome.

You may have concerns about a family member or friend triggered by things they are doing or saying or behaviours you have noticed which are not normal for them. These things might include:

• Poor memory for recent events​
• Repeatedly asking the same questions​
• Struggling to find words​
• Less inclined to engage in conversations and reluctant to do activities that they have normally enjoyed or to see friends and family. ​
• Become quite isolated and depressed if they have some insight into their problems​
• Not looking after themselves i.e. personal hygiene and appearance, changing clothing. ​
• Not managing tasks such as housework, shopping, meals and any medications​
• Getting into financial difficulties as they may not be paying their bills​
• Changes in behaviour & personality

Getting an early diagnosis is important for several reasons.

The person you are concerned about may not have dementia. Problems with memory or processing are not always dementia. Other health conditions can cause similar symptoms, so seeing a GP early can be beneficial.​

An early diagnosis can play a crucial part in accessing future care and treatment. It can also help the person and their families to receive practical and timely information as they face new challenges.

Currently there is no cure for dementia, but there are medications that might help slow down the progression of particular types of dementia. You may be able to access particular support or therapies.

There may also be opportunities to get involved with research at an early stage.

Receiving an early diagnosis can enable the person to plan ahead whilst they are still able to make important decisions on their care and support needs and on financial and legal matters.

If you are worried about someone’s memory, it’s important to make an appointment with your GP as a first step to getting a dementia diagnosis.

Your GP is your first port of call if you are worried about someone’s memory.

Quite often, someone might have a physical illness which is causing similar symptoms to dementia. If so, the underlying condition can be treated.

Your GP may be able to offer an initial screening appointment.

If the GP finds that there is nothing physical, then they would make a referral to the memory clinic.

If the person is referred to a memory clinic or a memory assessment service, they will be invited to attend an appointment. At their appointment, they will have various tests.

A skilled clinician will go through a series of cognitive assessments.

The person may need a scan. Not everyone is sent for a scan. It is normally to rule out anything else that may be having an impact on the brain.

If nothing physical is found after a scan, the person is given a diagnosis, but this can take some time. There are lots of different types of dementia.

It may be that there is no diagnosis of dementia. The person may be given a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, or they may be referred to another specialist service. They may be discharged without a diagnosis but asked to return for a follow up appointment in 6-12 months to ensure things have not progressed.