What happens if I am not given a diagnosis of dementia?
Many factors can affect your memory and thinking skills. These can include stress, anxiety, low mood, physical health problems, certain medications, bereavement, poor sleep, and the use of alcohol or other substances.
In some cases, memory difficulties may improve if these underlying causes are identified and addressed.
If your assessment shows memory or thinking difficulties that are greater than would normally be expected for your age, but there is no clear evidence of dementia on your brain scan, you may be given a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
If you are diagnosed with MCI, we will discuss the findings with you and provide advice on maintaining your brain health and managing your symptoms. We may also recommend monitoring and follow-up where appropriate.
Even if you are not diagnosed with dementia, you may still be able to access local support services for people experiencing memory difficulties. We can provide information and advice about the support available in your area.
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.
