Diagnosis - Dementia

What happens if I am given a diagnosis of dementia?

If you are given a diagnosis of a dementia this will be delivered to you at a follow-up appointment by a qualified member of staff. The diagnosis can also be delivered by telephone, letter or video call. With your consent, we can share information about your diagnosis with a family member, friend, or carer.

Following a diagnosis, we will provide information to help you understand your condition and explain the support options available to you. With your consent, we can also refer you to local services and organisations that may be able to offer additional assistance. If appropriate, you will be invited to attend one of our post-diagnostic support groups.

For some types of dementia, medication may be recommended to help manage symptoms. If medication is prescribed, you will remain under the care of the Memory Assessment Service while your treatment is started and stabilised on a therapeutic dose to ensure it is working well for you.

Once your assessment, medication reviewed (if applicable), and you have attended any post-diagnostic support groups you wish to access, responsibility for your ongoing care will be transferred back to your GP. Information about your diagnosis, treatment, and any recommendations for future care will be shared with your GP to support your ongoing health and wellbeing.

What are the post-diagnostic education and treatment groups?

For individuals accessing our service in the south

Derby City, Erewash, Amber Valley, South Derbyshire

Living Well Programme (LWP)

The Living Well Programme (LWP) is a five week course designed to help you understand your dementia diagnosis and learn more about living well with dementia.

The programme provides information, advice, and practical strategies to promote independence, wellbeing, and safety. It also offers the opportunity to meet others with similar experiences and ask questions in a supportive environment.

We encourage a family member, friend, or carer to attend the sessions alongside you, as they can also benefit from the information and support provided.

If you would prefer a family member, friend, or carer to attend on your behalf, this can be arranged with your consent.

We also offer carer only day sessions, which provide the key information covered in the Living Well Programme in a condensed format. These sessions are designed for carers who may be unable to attend a five-week programme due to work commitments or other responsibilities.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an eight week group programme for people with mild to moderate symptoms of dementia. It is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to help improve thinking and memory skills, as well as enhance wellbeing.

The sessions involve a variety of enjoyable, themed activities and discussions designed to stimulate the brain and encourage social interaction. Activities are tailored to the interests and abilities of those attending the group.

CST is intended for people with dementia - family members, friends, and carers do not take part in the sessions. However, if someone is providing transport or support to attend, they are welcome to wait on site while the session is taking place.

What are the post-diagnostic education and treatment groups?

For individuals accessing our service in the north

Chesterfield, High Peak and Glossop, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, Derbyshire Dales

Living Well Programme (LWP)

As in the South, however we offer separate course for those with the diagnosis and those in a caring role.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and Maintenance CST

In addition to the eight week sessions we can offer ongoing sessions to individuals to promote cognitive stimulation and social engagement.

Young Onset Living Well Programme

A programme specifically designed for people diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65, addressing the challenges and experiences associated with young onset dementia.

Advanced Care Planning Sessions

Sessions that provide information and support to help individuals and their families discuss and plan for future health, care, and personal preferences.

NICE guideline

• Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers

What support can I access in the community?

We work closely with external dementia support and unpaid carer services. We can refer or signpost as required. You can access support services at any time; you do not have to wait for a memory assessment or receive a diagnosis.

Contact details for local support services

Memory problems and driving

A diagnosis of dementia is not in itself a reason to stop driving. One in three people with dementia still drive. The most important thing is whether the person can still drive safely. Dementia may affect their ability to do this. 

Driving may feel easy and natural for people who drive often or have been driving for many years. However, it is a complex task that involves quick thinking as well as sensory (vision, hearing) and manual skills.

If, during your memory assessment or follow-up appointment, one of our clinicians has concerns about how your memory difficulties may affect your ability to drive safely, they may advise you to stop driving. It is important that you follow this advice.

If concerns are identified, we can discuss a referral to an independent driving assessment centre, where your driving ability can be assessed in more detail. Please be aware that there may be a fee for this assessment.

If you are driving to your assessment appointment, it may be sensible to arrange for a family member, friend, or carer to accompany you and be available to drive you home if needed. This may be particularly helpful if you feel tired following the assessment or if advice is given that you should stop driving until further assessment has taken place.

If you are diagnosed with dementia, you must inform the DVLA and your car insurer. Depending on your individual circumstances, the licensing authority may:

• Allow you to continue driving without further action.
• Ask you to undergo an independent driving assessment or provide further medical information.
• Advise that you should stop driving.

Find more information: Alzheimer's Society - the law on driving and dementia

What happens if there is not a clear diagnosis?

In some cases, the information gathered during a standard memory assessment may not provide enough evidence to make a clear diagnosis. If this happens, we may recommend a neuropsychological assessment, which is carried out by a member of our Psychology team.

This assessment involves a range of more detailed tasks and questionnaires designed to explore different aspects of thinking and brain function, such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills.

The results can provide a more detailed understanding of how your brain is functioning and help identify possible causes of your memory difficulties. This information can support the team in reaching a diagnosis and planning appropriate care and support.

If a neuropsychological assessment is considered appropriate, a member of the team will discuss this with you and answer any questions you may have.