Getting a diagnosis of dementia.
When to see a GP.
Dementia is not one disease, but a collection of different symptoms that cause damage to the brain, therefor many people will experience symptoms of dementia differently. It’s important to note that some of these early symptoms of dementia may not be dementia, but can be attributed to cognitive impairment that some experience as they get older, this is known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia. MCI may develop to become dementia, or symptoms could stay the same.
If you notice some of the symptoms below, it’s worth talking to a GP sooner rather than later:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it difficult to carry out familiar daily tasks
- Struggling to follow a conversation
- Being confused about time or place
- Mood changes
Different types of dementia will have different symptoms, click here to read a guide from the NHS about symptoms specific to different types of dementia.
What to expect at a GP appointment?
When you visit the GP to assess whether you have dementia, it’s recommended that you bring a friend or loved one that knows you well. They can help provide insights into any changes in your behaviour or attitude that you yourself may not have noticed. The GP will ask you if you’ve been having any difficulty with day-to-day tasks such as getting dressed, washing yourself, cooking and cleaning or paying bills for example.
Memory problems may not mean you have dementia and can be attributed to delirium caused by infection, thyroid issues or the side effects of some medicines, so the GP will do a physical examination, and may organise tests such as a blood and urine test to rule out any other causes of memory problems. You will also be asked to do memory or cognitive tests to check any problems with your memory and ability to think clearly.
After a GP appointment
If you live in West London, in the boroughs of Ealing, Hounslow or Hammersmith and Fulham, you may be referred by your GP to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia services (CIDS). They will phone you and ensure that you would like to proceed with an assessment. CIDS will look at your symptoms and medical history, and may ask to speak to someone close to you for more information.
If the assessment progressed, then they will arrange for a full assessment with you. For this, it’s worth having someone who knows you well attend also. They will test your memory and mental abilities, and may refer you to further investigations such as a brain scan. After the assessment, CIDS will be able to diagnose you with a likely cause.
What happens after a diagnosis of dementia?
Following a diagnosis of dementia, CIDS will offer you a range of diagnostic support depending on your requirements, such as support groups, psychological therapy, occupational therapy input or medication. From here, CIDS may refer you to Dementia Link Workers, a service provided by Dementia Concern in the borough of Ealing. Dementia Link workers work alongside GP networks in Ealing to provide support to people with dementia and their families, provide regular assessments and monitoring, provide support and advice and act as representatives of the person with dementia and their carer at meetings and access to services. Dementia Link Workers can also make referrals within dementia concern to other services such as Safe At Home, Dementia Advisers and our Weekend/Weekday social clubs, depending on the client’s needs.
Getting a diagnosis of dementia can be an overwhelming and life-changing event for you and your family. Dementia Concern are here to help provide valuable post-diagnosis support to people with dementia and their carers.
For more information on getting a diagnosis of dementia:
