NHS Memory Clinics

What an NHS memory clinic does

An NHS memory clinic is a specialist service for people with suspected dementia or other cognitive disorders. Memory clinics are usually staffed by old age psychiatrists, geriatricians, neurologists, clinical psychologists, dementia nurses, occupational therapists and dementia advisors, often as a multidisciplinary team. They follow NICE NG97 guidance and provide:

• Structured cognitive testing, usually the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III);
• A detailed clinical history including collateral information from family;
• Routine blood tests to rule out reversible causes;
• An Electrocardiogram, especially if Cholinesterase Inhibitor treatment is being considered;
• Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Computed Tomography brain scan;
• Where indicated, advanced imaging (FDG-PET, SPECT, DAT Scan);
• A diagnostic letter, prescribing where appropriate, and onward signposting.

Follow-up is usually annual once a diagnosis is made, with earlier review if symptoms change.

How to access an NHS memory clinic

The standard route is via your GP. The steps are:

1. Book a routine GP appointment, mentioning memory or cognitive concerns;
2. The GP usually performs an initial cognitive screen (often the GPCOG, 6CIT or a brief Mini-ACE), arranges blood tests to rule out reversible causes, and reviews medication;
3. If suspicion of dementia remains, the GP refers to the local memory clinic;
4. You receive an appointment letter; some clinics offer a remote first contact, others in person.

If you are not happy with the response, you have the right to request a second opinion or a different referral. NHS memory clinics in some regions accept self-referral.

Waiting times

NHS memory clinic waiting times vary substantially. Many areas have wait times of 6 to 12 weeks; others have backlogs of 6 to 12 months. NHS England's dementia waiting time data is published regularly and may be checked via your Integrated Care Board.

If the wait is longer than acceptable for your circumstances, options include:

• Requesting that your GP escalate or refer to a neighbouring trust;
• Considering a private memory clinic for the initial diagnostic assessment, with NHS shared-care prescribing afterwards;
• Using the time productively for the reversible-cause work-up and lifestyle changes.

What to expect at the first appointment

The first appointment usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The clinician will ask about:

• Symptoms: what changes have been noticed, when they started, how they have progressed;
• Daily function: what you can still do independently and where you need help;
• Medical history, current medications and any over-the-counter or herbal medicines;
• Mood, sleep, alcohol and any history of head injury;
• Family history of dementia.

Then the cognitive testing takes place (typically the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, around 15 to 20 minutes). Blood tests, an Electrocardiogram and a brain scan are arranged. Findings are discussed at a follow-up appointment, usually 4 to 8 weeks later.

Bring a family member or close friend if possible. They will be invited (with your agreement) to provide collateral information and to hear the findings.

What to bring

• A current list of your medications, including doses;
• Glasses and hearing aids if you use them;
• Recent letters from other specialists;
• Any cognitive concerns written down with examples and rough dates;
• A family member or close friend, where possible.

After the diagnosis

If a diagnosis of dementia is made, the clinic will:

• Explain the type and severity, increasingly using ICD-11 codes (e.g. 6D80.1 Alzheimer's Disease with Late Onset);
• Discuss whether anti-dementia medication is appropriate (Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Memantine);
• Signpost to the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Connect Support Line;
• Advise about driving and the DVLA;
• Recommend Lasting Power of Attorney arrangements;
• Schedule follow-up.

If the diagnosis is Mild Cognitive Impairment or no diagnosis of dementia, the clinic will explain the rationale, often recommend a repeat assessment in 6 to 12 months, and signpost to vascular risk reduction, mood and sleep treatment, and lifestyle support.

Comparison with private memory clinics

The two routes are not mutually exclusive. Many people use private assessment for speed and a structured ICD-11 letter, then continue with NHS follow-up and prescribing.

Where The Dementia Service fits in

The Dementia Service is the leading UK Private Memory Clinic, offering virtual assessment, structured letters aligned to ICD-11 and NICE NG97, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Electrocardiogram via partner providers, and shared-care prescribing with your GP. Your assessment letter is sent to your GP as a matter of routine, so NHS follow-up continues alongside.