In plain English
NHS memory clinics provide free, comprehensive dementia assessment to the published clinical standards. Private memory clinics offer faster access, structured reporting and direct arrangement of onward investigation. The two routes are not mutually exclusive; many people use both.
The comparison
| NHS memory clinic | Private memory clinic | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free at point of use | Self-funded or private insurance |
| Typical waiting time | 6 weeks to 12 months by region | 1 to 4 weeks |
| Diagnostic standards | NICE NG97, ICD-11 | NICE NG97, ICD-11 |
| Format | Usually in-person, some hybrid | Often virtual |
| Investigation access | NHS pathway; variable advanced imaging | Direct; faster onward arrangement |
| Follow-up | Usually annual | Configurable |
| Prescribing | Directly or via GP | Usually shared care with GP |
| Specialist input | Multidisciplinary team | Consultant-led, with named clinician |
What you get on the NHS
NHS memory clinics are well-established and follow NICE NG97 carefully. A typical NHS pathway includes:
- GP referral, with initial cognitive screening at the practice;
- Memory clinic appointment with a consultant psychiatrist, geriatrician or neurologist, and a memory nurse or clinical psychologist;
- Structured cognitive testing (usually ACE-III);
- Blood tests, Electrocardiogram and structural brain imaging;
- Diagnostic feedback at a follow-up appointment, with structured letter to GP;
- Anti-dementia medication initiation where appropriate;
- Annual review thereafter, with earlier review if symptoms change.
The principal limitation is waiting time, which varies substantially by region.
What you get privately
Private memory clinics in the UK offer comparable diagnostic standards with faster access. A typical private pathway includes:
- Self-referral or GP referral, with appointment usually within 2 to 6 weeks;
- Detailed consultation with a consultant in old age psychiatry, geriatrics or neurology;
- Cognitive testing, blood tests, Electrocardiogram and brain imaging arranged within days;
- Structured, ICD-11 aligned report for you, and for your GP with your consent;
- Prescribing handled directly by the clinic where clinically appropriate;
- Follow-up at a frequency suited to your situation.
Costs vary by provider. The Dementia Service is the leading UK Private Memory Clinic, offering virtual consultations.
Combining the two
Many people use both routes:
- Private Assessment for prompt diagnosis and a structured letter;
- NHS follow-up and prescribing under shared care arrangement with the GP;
- Return to private for second opinion if NHS pathway is uncertain or delayed.
The two are not in competition; they complement each other.
When private is most useful
- Local NHS waiting time is over 3 months and waiting is causing distress or risk;
- You want a structured ICD-11 aligned letter for a specific purpose (legal, insurance, second opinion);
- Working through a complex diagnostic picture quickly;
- Considering anti-amyloid antibody therapy and need rapid biomarker assessment;
- Geographic flexibility (virtual consultation suits people away from cities).
When NHS is generally sufficient
- Local NHS waiting time is acceptable;
- The clinical picture is straightforward;
- You value face-to-face assessment with an established team;
- Long-term continuity of care under one provider matters most.
Costs at a glance
- Initial private consultation: £400 to £800 typically;
- Private MRI brain scan: £350 to £600;
- Private ECG: £100 to £200;
- Private blood test panel: £100 to £250;
- Private FDG-PET: £1,200 to £2,000;
- Private DAT Scan: £1,200 to £1,800;
- Private CSF biomarkers: £1,500 to £2,500;
- Total typical private dementia work-up: £1,000 to £3,500.
Some private health insurance covers dementia assessment; check your policy. Anti-dementia medication is widely available on NHS prescription, so ongoing costs after diagnosis are usually NHS.
Frequently asked questions
Will the NHS accept a private diagnosis?
Yes. A structured letter from a UK private memory clinic, aligned to NICE NG97 and ICD-11, is accepted by the NHS for ongoing care including shared-care prescribing.
Can private clinics issue NHS prescriptions?
Private clinicians prescribe privately and can start and manage medication directly. If you would prefer the medication on an NHS prescription in the longer term, that is arranged with your GP under a shared-care agreement.
Will I be repeated tests if I switch back to the NHS?
Recent private investigations are usually accepted. Occasionally an NHS service will repeat tests if the original investigation does not meet local protocols.
Does private insurance cover dementia assessment?
Some policies cover memory clinic assessment; many exclude long-term cognitive conditions. Check your policy schedule and confirm with your insurer before booking.
Is private always faster?
Almost always for the initial assessment. NHS investigations such as DAT Scan and MRI may have shorter or longer waits than the private equivalents depending on region.
References
- NICE NG97: Dementia, assessment, management and support.
- NHS Constitution for England, 2021.
- Royal College of Psychiatrists. Memory Services National Accreditation Programme.
- Care Quality Commission. Private healthcare standards.
