Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Answers to your questions
Becoming forgetful does not always mean you have dementia. There are many possible causes, including vitamin deficiencies, medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid, sleep deprivation, drinking too much alcohol, anxiety, depression and some medications.
Most of these are treatable, but if left untreated they can increase the risk of developing dementia.
We all forget a name or a face sometimes, especially as we get older. But the changes caused by dementia are different and more serious.
Dementia starts differently for each person. Early symptoms can be subtle and confusing, and are easily dismissed. Detecting it early means you can get treatment and support sooner, and begin to manage what is happening.
The most common early warning signs are:
- short-term memory problems, such as regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces
- asking the same questions repeatedly
- increasing difficulty with tasks that need organisation and planning
- becoming confused in unfamiliar places
- difficulty finding the right words
- difficulty with numbers or handling money in shops
- becoming more withdrawn or anxious
Alzheimer’s Society estimates that around 982,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, and that this will rise to 1.4 million by 2040 as people live longer.
Around one in 14 people over 65 has dementia, and the condition affects one in six people over 80.
Dementia is a term used to describe a set of symptoms, including short-term memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. These symptoms may be small to start with, but as dementia progresses they can affect day-to-day life.
Dementia can be caused by several different diseases that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which someone has minor problems with memory or thinking that are worse than would normally be expected for a healthy person of their age, but not severe enough to be dementia. A person with MCI is more likely to go on to develop dementia.
Many people feel the same. You can request a free 10-minute consultation and one of our consultants will contact you to check whether Memory Doctors can help. There is no obligation to book an appointment.
In most cases, you will be seen within a week.
Yes. We offer video consultations for patients who are unable to attend our clinic in Leeds in person.
Yes. Patients are generally followed up every six to twelve months. This lets us monitor your memory, help you reduce your risk factors for dementia, and build a close working relationship with you and your family.
If we start you on memory medication, you will need at least one follow-up with us to monitor your response. Further follow-ups can be arranged through your GP.
Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is a brief, evidence-based group therapy of 14 weekly sessions for people with mild to moderate dementia. It is recommended by the latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for people with mild to moderate dementia, and leads to improved cognition and quality of life. CST is as effective as memory medication.
Group CST uses approaches such as reality orientation, reminiscence work and multi-sensory activities. It focuses on implicit learning in a supportive, familiar and consistent environment.
A formal diagnosis of dementia can entitle you to benefits and a council tax discount, which on average save people around £4,000 a year. You and your family may also be able to get more support.
Assessment and diagnosis
- Two consultations with a consultant memory specialist for assessment, diagnosis and report: £990 flat fee.
- If you already have your blood tests and brain scan, a single long appointment can be offered in most cases instead: £800.
- If memory medication is appropriate, you will also receive an eight-week private prescription.
Dementia screening blood tests have usually already been done by your GP. If you prefer, we can arrange them at a private centre. If you need a brain scan and don’t have a recent one, we can arrange it privately at a centre near you. Scan costs are set by the private radiology provider, but an MRI head scan is generally around £400. Some NHS GPs are happy to arrange scans via the NHS.
Follow-ups and medication titration
- Follow-up consultation with a memory specialist consultant, up to 30 minutes: £225.
- If we start you on memory medication, you will need one follow-up with us to monitor your response. Further follow-ups with us can be arranged if you wish.
Yes. You will receive a comprehensive report of your assessment, which brings together all the information gathered and explains the diagnosis reached. It is also sent to your GP and can be used to set out your care needs.
Lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla) are new medications that can slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Both are licensed in the UK by the MHRA, but NICE has not recommended them for use on the NHS, so they are currently only available privately.
They are only suitable for some people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and they need specific tests and close monitoring. Like most treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, they are most effective when started early. We can discuss with you whether they might be appropriate.
- No NHS waiting list.
- A comprehensive assessment by senior memory specialist consultants, who take the time to answer your questions and provide individualised care.
- We consider a wide range of possible causes of memory difficulties.
- We take account of the risk factors and causes of memory loss during your assessment. Some of these can increase the risk of dementia in the future if left untreated.
- Based on your presentation and your physical and mental health, we explain your risk factors for developing dementia and how to reduce them. Nearly half of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed.
- We use the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination, recognised as the most appropriate validated tool for specialist memory services.
- Early treatment can slow the progression of the condition and improve your quality of life. Early diagnosis includes recognising pre-dementia conditions such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- We signpost you to the help and support available to people with dementia and their carers, which can improve quality of life for you and your family.
- We tell you about the entitlements available to you.