Assessment and treatment
Our services
- Memory assessment and treatment
- Assessment of your risk of developing dementia, and how to reduce it
- Review of memory medication for people diagnosed with dementia
- Medication titration
- Six-monthly to yearly reviews of cognitive functioning
- Private blood tests and brain scans
- Group cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and maintenance CST
- Medico-legal work, including lasting power of attorney and expert witness reports
Private memory assessment and treatment
When we receive your enquiry, we’ll ask you to complete a questionnaire about your main concerns and your physical health. Our memory specialist consultants review this before offering you an appointment with one of our consultants. You can choose a virtual or face-to-face consultation.
Memory assessments usually involve two sessions: an initial assessment and a diagnostic assessment.
Initial assessment
This takes up to 60 minutes. A consultant memory specialist will take a detailed history of your physical and mental health, clarify your memory difficulties (when they started, how they have progressed and how they affect your day-to-day life) and carry out a comprehensive memory test.
Depending on the findings, you may need a dementia screening blood test and a brain scan to rule out other causes of memory difficulties. These can be arranged through your GP, or privately by us.
Diagnostic assessment
This also takes up to 60 minutes. The consultant memory specialist will discuss the results of your tests, make a diagnosis where applicable, discuss appropriate treatment plans and signpost you to post-diagnostic help and support. If medication is appropriate (it is not suitable for some types of dementia), you can start it straight away, with follow-up appointments to monitor your response.
After your assessment
What happens at the end of the assessment?
We will explain the likely cause of your memory problems. If the cause is reversible, you can start treatment to improve your memory.
If the cause is dementia, we can start you on memory medication where appropriate and adjust the dose over time (titration). This can slow down some symptoms of dementia and improve your quality of life. We also offer group cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), which is recommended by NICE guidelines and is as effective as medication.
If you are diagnosed with dementia, we will also signpost you to further help and support, and you will be eligible for entitlements that save people around £4,000 a year on average.
Can you always find the cause of my memory problems?
In the vast majority of cases, we can explain the likely cause of your memory problems. Occasionally, in more complex cases, this may not be possible. If so, we will discuss this with you clearly and explain whether further investigations, such as an amyloid PET scan or a neuropsychological assessment, would be appropriate. If you would like further tests, we can help to arrange them.
Fees
Clear, fixed fees
Assessment and diagnosis
£990
Two consultations with a consultant memory specialist for assessment, diagnosis and report. Includes an eight-week private prescription for memory medication if applicable.
Single extended appointment
£800
If you already have your blood tests and brain scan, a single long appointment can be offered in most cases instead of two.
Follow-up consultation
£225
Up to 30 minutes with a memory specialist consultant to review your progress and medication.
Private blood tests and brain scans are charged separately by the provider. An MRI head scan is generally around £400, and some NHS GPs are happy to arrange scans via the NHS.