What is dementia and memory problems?
Memory problems have many causes: normal ageing, stress, depression, thyroid problems, medication side effects, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Dementia itself has several types, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia, each with a different pattern and treatment.
Our consultant old-age psychiatrists provide thorough, unhurried assessments with far shorter waits than NHS memory clinics, and can see people at home where needed.
Signs and symptoms
Memory
- Forgetting recent conversations or events
- Repeating questions
- Misplacing items in unusual places
- Relying more on notes and reminders
Thinking & language
- Difficulty finding words
- Trouble following conversations or plots
- Problems with planning, money or medication
- Getting lost in familiar places
Mood & behaviour
- Low mood, anxiety or apathy
- Personality change or loss of inhibition
- Suspicion or seeing things that aren't there
- Changes in sleep
Everyday impact
- Difficulty with cooking, driving or finances
- Withdrawing from hobbies and social life
- Family members noticing changes
How we assess dementia and memory problems
A 90-minute assessment with a consultant old-age psychiatrist, ideally with a family member present. It includes a detailed history, cognitive testing such as the ACE-III, review of mood, physical health and medication, and arrangement of blood tests and brain imaging (MRI or CT) where indicated.
You receive a clear written diagnosis, an explanation of what it means and a plan, usually within ten working days of the final appointment.
How we treat dementia and memory problems
Treatment and support depend on the diagnosis and may include:
- Medication such as donepezil, rivastigmine or memantine for Alzheimer's and some other dementias
- Treatment of depression, anxiety or sleep problems that may be affecting memory
- Review and rationalisation of medications that impair cognition
- Practical guidance for families on safety, driving, finances and Lasting Power of Attorney
- Signposting to local support services and regular follow-up reviews