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NHS assessment and diagnosis
What can I expect?
When you visit your GP they will ask you about your symptoms and other aspects of your health. They will also ask about how you manage with everyday activities such as
- washing and dressing
- cooking and shopping
- paying bills
The GP will also do a physical health check and may organise tests to help rule out other causes of symptoms commonly identified as being dementia.
If possible, you should invite someone you know to be with you at the GP appointment, they they can describe any changes or issues that they have noticed. They can also help you remember what is said at the appointment, if this is a problem you are experiencing.
Next Steps
If you GP has ruled out other causes for your symptoms they may refer you to a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosis dementia.
The specialist may work in a memory clinic with other professionals who are experts in diagnosing, caring for, and advising people with dementia, and their families.
It is important that you take care of your wellbeing and know where to get support whilst you wait for your memory assessment.
Find out more about memory assessments and how to wait well at the Next Steps website.
If the diagnosis is dementia
Dementia is one of the health conditions that people are most afraid of.
After you've had the necessary tests (or sometimes before the tests), your doctor or specialist should ask if you want to know your diagnosis. They should explain what having dementia might mean for you and give you time to talk about the condition and ask questions and discuss your treatment options and the support available to you.
After being dragonised your GP will arrange to see you for regular check ups to see how you are managing. The memory service involved in your assessment may also continue to see you. During a follow-up appointment with a GP, or other healthcare professional, they'll check how the dementia is progressing and if you have any new care needs.