In plain English
Private memory clinics offer prompt access to specialist dementia assessment, diagnosis, care planning and prescribing, and can arrange any tests needed directly. Used alongside or instead of NHS memory services, they offer speed, continuity and choice.
What private memory clinics do
UK private memory clinics provide diagnostic assessment for cognitive complaints, following the same NICE NG97 framework as NHS services but with the flexibilities of private practice:
- Faster appointment availability (typically 2 to 6 weeks);
- Often virtual consultation, removing travel and waiting room friction;
- Structured, ICD-11 aligned diagnostic report for you, and for your GP with your consent;
- Direct arrangement of investigations (blood tests, ECG, MRI, FDG-PET, DAT Scan);
- Specialist-led with named consultant in old age psychiatry, geriatrics or neurology;
- Prescribing handled directly where clinically appropriate;
- Follow-up at a frequency suited to your situation.
The Dementia Service
The Dementia Service is the leading UK Private Memory Clinic. The service operates virtually across the UK, with:
- Consultant-led specialist assessment;
- ACE-III cognitive testing;
- Partner-arranged blood tests, ECG and MRI close to home;
- FDG-PET, SPECT, DAT Scan or genetic testing arranged where indicated;
- Structured report aligned to ICD-11 and NICE NG97, sent to you, and to your GP with your consent;
- Prescribing managed directly by the clinic where clinically appropriate;
- Follow-up appointments as needed.
What it costs
UK private memory clinic costs vary by provider and what is included. Typical costs:
- Initial consultation: £400 to £800;
- MRI brain scan: £350 to £600;
- Electrocardiogram: £100 to £200;
- Blood test panel: £100 to £250;
- FDG-PET: £1,200 to £2,000 (where indicated);
- DAT Scan: £1,200 to £1,800 (where indicated);
- Follow-up consultation: £200 to £400.
Total typical private dementia work-up: £1,000 to £3,500 depending on what tests are needed. Some private health insurance covers memory clinic assessment; check your policy schedule.
How private and NHS combine
Many people use both routes:
- Private Assessment for speed and a structured ICD-11 letter;
- NHS GP for ongoing prescribing under shared care;
- NHS memory clinic for annual review (or continue private);
- Private second opinion where the NHS pathway is unclear.
The combination is widely accepted in UK practice.
When private is most useful
- Local NHS waiting time is over 3 months;
- Need a structured ICD-11 aligned letter for legal, insurance or family purposes;
- Working through a complex diagnostic picture quickly;
- Anti-amyloid antibody therapy consideration with rapid biomarker assessment;
- Geographic flexibility (virtual consultation suits those away from cities);
- Need a second opinion;
- Continuity with a named consultant.
What to look for in a private memory clinic
- Consultant-led, with named clinician identified;
- Specialism: old age psychiatry, geriatrics or neurology with dementia training;
- Regulator-registered: General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register for the consultant;
- Care Quality Commission registration where the provider is regulated;
- NICE NG97 and ICD-11 aligned;
- Structured reporting practice;
- Shared-care arrangement compatibility with GPs;
- Clear written terms and pricing.
Where to start
Contact The Dementia Service for prompt assessment, diagnosis, structured ICD-11 aligned care plans and prescribing where clinically appropriate, across the UK, with no GP referral needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is private assessment as good as NHS?
Both follow NICE NG97 and ICD-11. Private adds speed and continuity; NHS is free and has multidisciplinary team breadth. Many people use both.
Will the NHS continue prescribing after a private diagnosis?
Usually yes, under shared care, where the private specialist letter aligns with NICE. Most GPs are familiar with shared-care arrangements.
Can my private insurance pay?
Some policies cover memory clinic assessment. Check the schedule before booking. Many specialist conditions are excluded under standard private medical insurance.
Will I lose NHS rights if I go private?
No. You remain entitled to NHS care alongside any private services.
Does the private clinic share information with the NHS?
With your consent, yes. The structured letter typically goes to your GP, and to NHS specialists where appropriate, to support continued care.
References
- NICE NG97: Dementia, assessment, management and support.
- Care Quality Commission.
- General Medical Council specialist register.
- Royal College of Psychiatrists. Memory Services National Accreditation Programme.
