What is a memory clinic?
Wen a loved one begins to show signs of forgetfulness, confusion or unusual changes in behaviour, it can be worrying for all the family. While occasional memory lapses are part of normal ageing, persistent concerns may point to something more significant, such as neurological conditions, including dementia. That’s where a memory clinic, or memory assessment service, can help.
Memory clinics are specialist services designed to assess and diagnose problems with memory and cognitive function. They provide expert guidance, early intervention, and where appropriate, a formal diagnosis helping families understand what’s happening and what support is available.
What is a memory clinic / memory assessment service?
A memory clinic is a dedicated healthcare service that focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and supporting individuals who are experiencing memory difficulties. Run by a team of specialists, often including psychiatrists, neurologists, psychologists, specialist nurses and occupational therapists, these clinics offer a structured environment to explore concerns about memory and cognition.
Memory clinics, sometimes called memory assessment services, don’t just assess memory loss. They also look at how a person is managing day-to-day tasks, language, mood, behaviour and overall brain function. They exist across the UK to provide accessible support for anyone referred by their GP, and are either available via the NHS or through private clinics.
GP referral to a memory clinic
If you or a loved one is showing signs of memory loss or decline, the first step is to speak to your GP. Your GP will likely perform some initial screening questions and take a history of symptoms. If there are ongoing concerns, they may refer you to a memory clinic for a more in-depth assessment.
Referrals can feel daunting, but they are often the first step towards getting clarity and support. Early referral is especially important, as some causes of memory problems, such as deficiencies or thyroid issues, can be reversible. If dementia is diagnosed , getting an early diagnosis can make it easier to plan for the future and access the right care.
What happens at a memory clinic?
A visit to a memory clinic usually involves a combination of the following:
Cognitive assessments: These may include structured memory and thinking tests (like the MMSE or ACE-III), designed to evaluate short-term memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and understanding.
Medical and lifestyle history: You’ll be asked about current symptoms, general health, medications, and any family history of neurological conditions.
Physical and neurological examinations: Basic checks to rule out other causes of cognitive decline, such as previous injuries/accidents
Scans or blood tests: If needed, the team may order brain imaging (such as MRI or CT scans) and blood tests.
Clinicians will often ask a family member or close friend to attend as well, since their perspective on behaviour and changes at home is invaluable.
What happens after visiting a memory clinic?
After the assessment, the clinic team will review the results and either rule out dementia or move towards a diagnosis. In some cases, they may ask for further tests or offer a “watch and wait” period if symptoms are mild.
Once the team has made their conclusions, they’ll arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the outline with you and your family. This will be handled sensitively and with support. If a diagnosis is given, you’ll receive specific guidance on next steps.
This may include:
Access to medication (where appropriate)
Referral to dementia advisors, social services or charities
Advice on safety at home, legal planning, and support groups
Regular reviews and access to future help
It can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. That’s why having someone with you at the appointment and knowing what support is available can make the process more manageable.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis
Hearing that someone you love has dementia can be emotionally overwhelming. For some, it’s a relief to finally have a name for the changes they’ve been seeing. For others, it can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory.
A dementia diagnosis isn’t the end of the road. With the right care, support and understanding, many people continue to live active, fulfilling lives for many years after their initial diagnosis. The key is putting the right support in place early, so your loved one feels safe, understood, and valued.
Support at this stage might involve adjustments to the home to make it safer, regular routines, medication, and importantly, care from the people who love you.
How Consultus Care can help - dementia care at home
At Consultus Care, we know how life-changing a memory clinic visit can be for both the individual and their family. A diagnosis of dementia can bring many questions, concerns and emotions.
Our experienced live-in carers provide one-to-one, continuous dementia care in the familiar setting of home, helping to maintain routine, comfort and peace of mind for your loved one.
If you’re exploring your care options, speak to our Care Advisors for advice. Call 01732 496715 or enquire online.
How to arrange dementia care
Speak to a Care Advisor
Our friendly, expert Care Advisors are here to guide you through your options, answer your important questions, whilst providing support along the way.
Care assessment
If you would like our managed live-in care service, a Care Consultant local to you, will complete a free assessment of your needs in your home.
Care starts
A fully trained carer will be carefully matched to meet your needs, and will start to provide our high-quality service in your home.
Why choose Consultus Care and Nursing?
One of the longest-established and most trusted providers
Founded in 1962, we have always been innovators in live-in care and live-in nursing. With over 60 years’ experience, we are one of the country’s longest-established, most highly recommended and experienced providers.
Unrivalled choice and control over your care
We understand that every person’s needs are different and every family’s situation is unique. With our choice of fully managed live-in care and nursing, and our introductory service, we offer more flexibility and personalisation than any other provider.
Highly trained nurses and carers
We are nationally recognised for the quality of our nurses and carers. With market-leading training, delivered at our own, multi-award-winning training centre, they provide exemplary, compassionate care tailored to individual needs, offering total peace of mind for clients and their families.
Expert care and support, dedicated to you
Our Care Consultants oversee our nursing and managed care services supporting only a small number of families. This means our service is truly personal, with unrivalled support and continuity of care. Reassurance that we are there when you need us most.
Family-founded, family-owned
We continue to be a family-owned and family-managed business. The largest wholly family-owned live-in care provider in the UK, we focus on what our clients and their families need from a high-quality care service, not on meeting investors’ expectations.
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