If you are concerned about your memory

It can be hard or scary to start a conversation with your GP about any changes in your cognition that you, or someone else, might have noticed. However, it’s important to access the right support, and to remember that the concerns you have may have a number of possible causes, so it’s also essential to speak to a health professional rather than try and diagnose yourself.

The Alzheimer’s Society has published a useful checklist, to help describe your symptoms to a GP or health professional. The checklist can help you to start the conversation and remember everything you want to say during your appointment.

At an appointment, your GP or another health professional at the surgery will ask about any health problems you have had in the past. They will also check for other conditions and problems with memory or thinking things through. If they think it’s possible you have dementia, they will refer you to a local memory service, which has staff who specialise in dementia. A specialist will check your memory and see how you answer different types of questions.

You don’t need to prepare for this. They may want to also speak with someone who knows you well to gain their perspective. You may also be referred for a scan to check for changes in your brain, or for more in depth assessment of your memory and thinking skills (neuropsychological assessment). Once they have the results of these assessments, the specialist will tell you what they think is causing your symptoms, based on what you have told them and the results from your tests.

You will then be able to access the support that is right for you. In Buckinghamshire, post diagnostic support is available from the Dementia Support Service.

You can also find out how an Occupational Therapist could support you, or the person you are caring for living with Dementia. You can also complete a self-referral to arrange for an assessment.

The Alzheimer’s Society has published an excellent booklet, “Diagnosing dementia: A practical guide to assessment”, which gives clear information about what to expect at assessment and also about when and how to approach your GP.

A copy can be viewed/downloaded or a print copy can be requested.