What to expect from a memory assessment
You may be asked to have some routine investigations, which can include blood tests, a brain scan and an electrocardiogram (ECG). These tests help to identify possible causes of memory difficulties and support an accurate diagnosis and treatment, if indicated.
You will be invited to attend one of our clinic sites to meet with a member of our specialist team. During the appointment, we will talk with you about the memory difficulties and other symptoms you have been experiencing, gather information about your health and background, and take time to understand your individual circumstances. It may be helpful to make some notes about your difficulties to bring with you to the appointment.
You will be asked to complete a cognitive assessment. This involves a series of questions and tasks that help us understand how different areas of your brain are functioning, such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. We will explain the assessment process fully and obtain your informed consent before carrying out any investigations.
We encourage you to bring a family member, friend, or carer to your appointment if you feel comfortable discussing your health information with them. They can provide additional information about any changes they may have noticed and offer support throughout the assessment process.
If you would prefer, appointments can also be conducted by telephone or video consultation.
Following your assessment, all the information gathered, together with the results of any tests or scans, will be reviewed by our specialist team. You will then be invited to a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings. If appropriate, a diagnosis will be given, and we will discuss any treatment options, advice, and support available to you. This may include an invitation to attend one of our post-diagnostic support groups.
Your memory, driving and you
At your assessment, we may ask you about driving.
Why we ask about driving
- Driving uses memory, concentration, sight, hearing, judgement and reaction time. Age, health problems and changes in thinking can affect these skills.
- We know a memory assessment can feel worrying. We ask about driving to help keep you and other road users safe.
- After your appointment, we may suggest another check of your driving skills.
- If you have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and there are no concerns, you may not need another check now.
- If you are diagnosed with dementia, some abilities may change over time. We will work with you to review safety.
For more information, including what we might ask and what happens if there are concerns view our driving fact sheet.
Is there anything that can help whilst waiting for an assessment?
There are many things you can do to promote your memory and wellbeing whilst you wait for a memory assessment. See below for information and ideas to promote your wellbeing and health.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: What’s good for the heart is good for the brain
Try to stay active, eat a healthy and balanced diet, drink enough water, reduce stress levels, and keep engaged in social activities and hobbies.
Further information can be found on the following websites:
- Visit the NHS Live Well website
- Visit the NHS Better Health website
- Visit the NHS inform Healthy living website
Reduce alcohol intake
Alcohol can cause short-term and long-term impacts. An individual may find that when they have drunk alcohol their decision making is altered, their risk taking may be higher, and their balance may be reduced. This can all increase the risk of causing injury to your brain. Long-term, excessive drinking can cause damage to the brain and increase the chances of developing dementia.
- Visit the NHS Alcohol support website
- Visit the NHS Drink less - Better Health website
- Visit the NHS alcohol misuse website
- Visit the Alzheimer's Society alcohol and dementia website
Quit smoking
Smoking causes damage to the blood vessels in our body. This can cause problems with the way the brain functions as it can reduce the blood flow to the brain. Reducing and quitting smoking is a positive step towards improving brain health.
- Visit the NHS Quit Smoking website
- Visit the NHS Better Health website
- Visit the Alzheimer's Society's Smoking and Dementia website
Use memory strategies
It can be helpful for an individual to have a range of techniques to help to compensate for the memory difficulties they are experiencing.
Engage your brain
It is important to keep the brain active. This can be done by engaging with other people in conversation, reading, listening to music, being challenged with puzzles, and doing things that are new. Keeping up with hobbies can be a great way to exercise the brain and follow interests. When out of habit with specific activities, it can take longer to pick them up again. In this way the brain is like a muscle, where repeating different tasks may build strength in those areas.
Stay social
Staying socially active is really important for brain health. It can help boost mood and help people to stay connected.
If an individual would like support with getting involved in activities or they are experiencing loneliness and isolation, they may wish to seek support from their GP. The GP may be able to put them in contact with someone (known as a Social Prescriber), who can support them to start activities.
Plan ahead
Individuals can find support and advice on planning for the future decisions via the Alzheimer’s Society website below. It may also be useful for them to speak with their GP or health professional for further information about this.
Pre-diagnostic support
If an individual has been referred for a memory assessment and is awaiting an appointment, they can get support, information and advice from the Derbyshire Dementia Support Service while they wait (01332 208845). The service can also support them through the diagnosis and answer any queries.
