If you are concerned about your memory or think you might have dementia, it is important to see a GP. Sometimes there is a treatable cause of memory loss, and there are also now medications available to help with many people’s symptoms. If you are worried about someone else’s memory problems, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP and offer to accompany them for support. Obtaining a diagnosis provides you and your family with the best opportunity to prepare for the future. With appropriate treatment and support from healthcare professionals, family, and friends, many people with dementia can lead active, fulfilling lives.
What to expect when you see a GP about dementia
During your GP appointment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and overall health. They will also inquire if you are having difficulty managing daily activities such as:
- Personal care (washing and dressing)
- Cooking and shopping
- Paying bills
If possible, have someone who knows you well accompany you to the appointment. They can help describe any changes or problems they have noticed and assist you in remembering what was discussed.
Memory problems do not necessarily indicate dementia. They can result from other causes, such as:
- Depression and anxiety
- Sudden confusion (delirium) caused by a medical condition, such as an infection
- An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Side effects of some medications
To rule out other causes of memory problems, the GP will perform a physical examination and may order tests, such as blood and urine tests. You will also be asked to complete a memory or cognitive test to assess any issues with memory or thinking.
Referral to a dementia specialist
Diagnosing dementia can be challenging, especially if your symptoms are mild. If the GP rules out other causes for your symptoms, they may refer you to a specialist who focuses on diagnosing dementia, such as:
- A psychiatrist with experience in treating dementia (an old-age psychiatrist)
- A doctor specialising in elderly care (a geriatrician)
- A doctor specialising in the brain and nervous system (a neurologist)
- The specialist may work in a memory assessment service, sometimes called a ‘memory clinic’ with other professionals who are experts in diagnosing, caring for, and advising people with dementia and their families.
Help while waiting for your appointment
While waiting for your specialist appointment, the Next Steps website offers more information about memory assessments, support services, and ways to maintain your well-being.
At your appointment with the specialist
Making the most of your time with the specialist is crucial. Write down questions you want to ask, take notes of any medical terms the doctor uses, and ask if you can return if you think of more questions later. Revisiting the specialist can be very helpful.
The specialist may arrange additional tests, such as a brain scan (CT or MRI scan) and more detailed memory tests. If the diagnosis is still uncertain, further, more complex tests might be necessary. However, most cases of dementia can be diagnosed after these assessments.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis
Dementia is one of the health conditions that people fear the most. A study by the Alzheimer’s Society found that 1 in 4 people wait for two years before seeking help for dementia symptoms. However, an accurate and early diagnosis can have many benefits.
After completing the necessary tests (or sometimes before), your doctor should ask if you want to know your diagnosis. They should explain what having dementia might mean for you and give you time to discuss the condition and ask questions.
Unless you decide otherwise, your doctor or a member of their team should discuss with you and your family or carer:
- The type of dementia you have or the need for future assessments if the type is unclear
- The symptoms and potential progression of the condition
- Possible treatments
- The name of a health or social care professional who will coordinate your support
- Available care and support services, including support groups and voluntary organisations for people with dementia and their carers
- Advocacy services
- How dementia might affect your driving or employment, if applicable
- Where to get financial and legal advice
You should also receive written information about dementia.
Ongoing assessment
After a dementia diagnosis, your GP should arrange regular follow-up appointments to check on your well-being. The memory service that conducted your assessment may also continue to see you during the early stages. The GP and specialist may jointly prescribe medications to help manage some dementia symptoms, although not everyone will benefit from these medications.
During follow-up appointments, healthcare professionals will monitor the progression of dementia and any new care needs. These appointments are also opportunities to discuss future plans, such as Lasting Power of Attorney or an advance statement about your future care.
Useful resources
To support you and your family, we have created a useful dementia care guide that provides you with information and advice on how to provide person-centred dementia care following a diagnosis of dementia. There are also a number of dementia charities across the UK that provide families with help, advice and support when they need it most, including Dementia UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.
CQC-rated ‘Outstanding’ live-in dementia care
At The Good Care Group, we know receiving care in the comfort, safety and familiarity of your own home has far reaching benefits in improving health and well-being for a person living with dementia. For over 10 years, we’ve helped countless families just like yours receive the dedicated dementia care they need in the place they love most – their own home.
We know how important choosing just the right live-in carer is for you and your family. We will work with you to carefully choose a carer that can meet all your care and support needs, while sharing common interests and backgrounds. Your care team really get to know your loved one’s unique needs, which means they get consistency of care. We know this means life is more enjoyable for everyone.
Contact us for your free, no-obligation home care assessment. We will meet with you and your family at a convenient time to discuss your care needs and how we can help.
Talk to us about your dementia care needs
We are experts in providing a fully managed, high-quality live-in care service rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by CQC. Call our friendly and approachable team today to see how we can help you and your family.
