How to get someone assessed for dementia

Talking to them about your concerns

Raising memory problems with someone close to you can be hard. They may not have noticed the changes, or they may be frightened of what the changes could mean.

• Choose a quiet time and a familiar place, when neither of you is rushed.
• Use gentle and reassuring words. Ask whether they have noticed any changes themselves.
• Mention specific things you have noticed, and explain that you are raising them because you care.
• Listen to how they feel. If the conversation does not go well, you can come back to it another time.

It can also help to suggest a general health check and to involve someone they trust.

Why an assessment helps

Memory and thinking problems are not always caused by dementia. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, and many of them can be treated, such as:

• Depression or anxiety
• Side effects of medicines
• Sleep problems
• Eyesight or hearing problems
• Chest or urinary tract infections
• Thyroid problems
• Low iron or vitamin levels

If it is dementia, a diagnosis opens the door to treatment and support. It also gives time to plan ahead while the person can still make their own decisions, for example about a lasting power of attorney.

Through the NHS

NHS advice is to encourage the person to make an appointment with their GP, and perhaps to offer to go with them.

The GP asks about their symptoms and their general health. They can look for other causes, carry out a short memory test and arrange blood tests. If dementia is possible, they can refer the person to a memory clinic, sometimes called a memory assessment service, for a specialist assessment.

Sharing your concerns with their GP

You can tell the GP what you have noticed before the appointment, for example in a letter. Patient confidentiality means the GP cannot share information about the person with you without their consent, but they can receive information from you.

Through a private assessment

You can contact us directly, without a GP referral, for yourself or for someone close to you. Call us first and we will explain what the assessment involves, so you can talk it through with them before you book.

The person takes part in each appointment, by video at home or face-to-face at our London Waterloo clinic. The assessment includes a cognitive examination, a blood test, a brain scan and a 24-hour heart rhythm monitor. A consultant old age psychiatrist then reviews every result and confirms the diagnosis.

The first appointment is available the same week, and from booking to diagnosis typically takes 20 working days. The full assessment costs £2,999.00. With the person's consent, we send the report to their GP.

• What happens at an assessment
• The cost of an assessment
• Our London Waterloo clinic

If they do not want to go

Many families find that the person they are worried about does not want to be assessed. They may feel the changes are a normal part of ageing, or they may be frightened of a diagnosis.

• Try not to force the issue. Give them time, and come back to it when the moment feels right.
• Ask someone they trust, such as another relative or a close friend, to raise it with them.
• Explain that a check-up can rule out other causes, many of which can be treated.
• Share your concerns with their GP, who can receive information from you.

An assessment needs the person's agreement, as they take part in each appointment. If you think they cannot make this decision themselves, speak to their GP.

Preparing for the appointment

• Write down the changes you have noticed, with examples and roughly when they started.
• Make a list of the medicines they take.
• Ask whether they would like you to come with them. Someone who knows them well can describe the changes and help them remember what was said.
• Remind them to bring their glasses or hearing aids, if they use them.

Questions about getting someone assessed

How do you get someone assessed for dementia?

Encourage them to see their GP, who can refer them to a memory clinic. Alternatively, you can arrange a private assessment directly. The person needs to agree to the assessment, and you can go with them if they would like you there.

Can I talk to their GP about my concerns?

Yes. The GP cannot share information about them without their consent, but they can receive information from you, for example in a letter.

What if they refuse to be assessed?

Give them time and try again later, or ask someone they trust to raise it. If you think they cannot make the decision themselves, speak to their GP.

Do I need a GP referral for a private assessment?

No. You can contact us directly, for yourself or for someone close to you. With the person's consent, we send the report to their GP.

Sources

1. NHS: How to get a dementia diagnosisLast reviewed 17th July 2023
2. Alzheimer's Society: Talking to someone about their memory problemsChecked 29th September 2026
3. Alzheimer's Society: Benefits of getting a dementia diagnosisChecked 29th September 2026
4. Alzheimer's Society: Dementia assessment with your GPChecked 29th September 2026