Diagnosing dementia: A practical guide to assessment

At what can be an anxious or frightening time, this booklet provides explanation and reassurance. It compares dementia symptoms with common signs of getting older – and why it’s important to see the GP about any concerns you have. It also sets out how to prepare and describes what can happen at the GP appointment including the tests and checks often carried out. The booklet includes our symptoms checklist, which can be used to record any symptoms such as memory loss, along with tips for speaking with the GP.

The booklet also describes what’s involved at a memory assessment – and how and where this might be held. It explains what happens if the person is referred to a specialist and who this can be. If the process is drawn out, there is advice on how to cope while waiting for the next stage. The different types of scans are explained along with questions and tests the specialist might carry out.

With advice on how to get the most from a consultation, this booklet provides practical tips for dealing with difficult situations. It also gives guidance on dealing with a diagnosis of dementia – the importance of staying positive and what further information and support is available.

Diagnosing dementia: A practical guide to assessment includes the following sections:

1. Do I need an assessment?
2. How is dementia diagnosed?
3. Talking to my GP
4. Assessment by a specialist
5. Results of the assessment
6. What happens after a diagnosis of dementia?
    Other useful organisations
    My checklist for possible dementia symptoms

Code 78DD
2022: 64 pages, A5