Getting a dementia diagnosis
If you are worried about your memory or think you may have signs of a dementia, it's important to talk to your GP. A timely diagnosis can help you get the right treatments and support to help you live with the condition.
A dementia diagnosis can reduce worry
If you’re worried that you’re showing signs of a dementia, getting a diagnosis can reduce uncertainty.
A diagnosis can explain:
- what’s causing your condition
- suitable treatment for your condition
It’s helpful to talk to family and friends if you're diagnosed with a dementia.
It is also important to find out about help and support available from:
- health services
- social services
- voluntary organisations
Being forgetful
If you are forgetful, it doesn't mean you have dementia.
Other health conditions can also cause memory problems.
It's important to identify other health problems and have treatment when necessary.
Seeing your GP about dementia
If you’re concerned about having a dementia and see your GP, they will usually:
- ask about your symptoms and your health
- give you a physical examination
- organise blood tests
- ask about any medications you take, as medicine can sometimes cause symptoms similar to dementia
- ask you some questions or do mental exercises to measure your memory or ability to think clearly
Referral to a dementia specialist
Dementia can be hard to diagnose, especially if your symptoms are mild. If your GP is unsure about your diagnosis, they will refer you to a specialist doctor.
If you go to see a specialist, it can be helpful to:
- write down questions you want to ask them
- write down any medical terms the doctor says
- ask how you can get more information
- get information about any tests they’ll do
The specialist may organise other tests including:
Getting your dementia diagnosis
Once you’ve had tests, your doctor should ask if you want to know your diagnosis.
They should explain what having a dementia might mean for you.
They should also give you time to talk more about the condition and ask questions.
Unless you decide differently, your doctor should discuss with you and your family:
- the type of dementia you have, or if it is not clear, how they will investigate further, or when they will reassess you
- symptoms and how the illness might develop
- tests or investigations you should have
- how long you'll have to wait until you have the tests and when you'll get the test results
- what will happen after you get the results
- treatments you may be offered
- care and support services in your area
- support groups and voluntary organisations for people with a dementia and their families and carers
- advocacy services
- where you can find financial and legal advice
They should also give you written information about dementia.
Benefits of an early dementia diagnosis
Dementia is one of the health conditions people are most afraid of. That fear puts people off getting a diagnosis.
An accurate, early diagnosis of dementia can have many benefits, including:
- an explanation for symptoms that have been worrying you or your family
- treatments to improve symptoms and slow the progress of the disease
- support and advice
- time to prepare for the future
A dementia diagnosis can come as a shock, but over time you can view it in a positive way.
While there is no cure for dementia, there are ways to slow it down and keep your memory function for longer.
With the right support and encouragement, you can actively manage your condition.
Plan ahead
Dementia is a progressive condition that is individual to each person.
A timely diagnosis can help you plan ahead.
Key things to consider include:
- staying well
- services and support - find out what's available locally
- legal and financial issues
Looking after your property and money
There are different benefits and financial support available if you have a dementia or support someone with a dementia.
To find out about help and support, speak to your key worker.
You may want help to manage your property and financial affairs.
You can formally appoint a friend, relative or professional to act on your behalf, by giving them a Power of Attorney.
To read more about enduring power of attorney, go to:
Your health and wellbeing
Looking after your health and wellbeing is important for everyone, including people with a dementia.
If you are living with a dementia, key things include:
- looking after your health
- maintaining a social life
- ways to combat sleep problems in dementia
- keeping active and occupied
- self-care in dementia
Driving and dementia
Some people with dementia prefer to give up driving because they find it stressful, but others continue driving.
To continue driving, you must tell the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) that you have a dementia.
The DVA will ask for medical reports and possibly a special driving assessment to decide whether you can continue driving.
Help and support
You can find further information on dementia and support services available at the link below: