Private and NHS dementia assessment
Both routes lead to a diagnosis. The main differences are cost, how you start and how long you wait. Here is how they compare, and how they work together.
Registered with the Care Quality Commission
No GP referral needed
How private and NHS assessments compare
| NHS memory assessment | With The Dementia Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free at the point of use | £2,999.00, payable in two equal instalments, or from £3,499.00 with face-to-face appointments |
| How you start | Usually an appointment with your GP, who may refer you to a specialist | Call us directly. No GP referral is needed |
| Waiting time | Varies by area. The median was 137 days from referral to diagnosis in England, Wales and Jersey in 2025 | First appointment available the same week, and typically 20 working days from booking to diagnosis |
| Who assesses you | A specialist, such as an old age psychiatrist, geriatrician or neurologist, often in a memory clinic | A mental health nurse carries out the cognitive examination, and a consultant old age psychiatrist confirms the diagnosis |
| Tests | Memory tests and blood tests, with a brain scan if the specialist arranges one | Cognitive examination, blood test, MRI or CT brain scan and 24-hour heart rhythm monitor, all included |
| Where | Your local memory service | By video at home, with a blood test at your chosen address and a brain scan at one of over 200 centres, or face-to-face at our London Waterloo clinic |
| After a diagnosis | Follow-up through your GP, and sometimes the memory service | A written report and care plan, sent to your GP with your consent |
Sources: NHS, How to get a dementia diagnosis. National Audit of Dementia, Survey of Memory Assessment Services, Royal College of Psychiatrists, published 11th June 2026.
Using private and NHS care together
Your GP stays involved
With your consent, we send your report, diagnosis and care plan to your GP, so your care can continue through the NHS or privately.
Moving between private and NHS care
You can move from private care to NHS care. The NHS keeps the two as separate as possible, so each part of your care is either private or NHS.
If medicines are recommended
Your GP decides whether to prescribe them on the NHS. GPs prescribe when they are satisfied a medicine meets your needs, and some ask for a specialist to prescribe instead.
If your GP does not prescribe, our consultants can prescribe privately where clinically appropriate, through dispensary partners who distribute nationally.
Weighing up the two routes
Neither route is right for everyone. These are the points people most often weigh up.
The NHS route
In its favour
- Free at the point of use
- Follow-up through your GP, and sometimes the local memory service
To bear in mind
- Waiting times vary by area, with a median of 137 days from referral to diagnosis
- It usually starts with a GP appointment and a referral
A private assessment with us
In its favour
- Typically 20 working days from booking to diagnosis
- No GP referral needed, and most of it happens at home
To bear in mind
- It costs £2,999.00, payable in two equal instalments
- Ongoing NHS care, including any NHS prescriptions, goes through your GP
Private and NHS questions
See all questionsHow long is the NHS wait for a dementia assessment?
It varies by area. The National Audit of Dementia found a median of 137 days from referral to diagnosis at memory assessment services in England, Wales and Jersey in 2025.
Can I use a private diagnosis with the NHS?
Yes. With your consent, we send your report, diagnosis and care plan to your GP, so your care can continue through the NHS or privately. Your GP decides on any NHS prescribing and referrals.
Do I need a GP referral for a private assessment?
No. You can book directly with us. With your consent, we send your report to your GP once your assessment is complete.
How much does a private dementia assessment cost?
Our full assessment costs £2,999.00, payable in two equal instalments. With face-to-face appointments at our London Waterloo clinic it costs £3,499.00 or £3,999.00.
Will my GP prescribe dementia medicines after a private diagnosis?
Your GP decides whether to prescribe on the NHS. GPs prescribe when they are satisfied a medicine meets your needs, and some ask for a specialist to prescribe instead.
More about the assessment
Book your assessment
Call us to ask a question or book your first appointment.
Phones answered 24 hours a day. Our clinical team is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 18:00.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Arpita Chakrabarti (GMC 5180513) and Dr Rohit Renjhen (GMC 5209302), consultant old age psychiatrists. Last reviewed 6th October 2026. Next review 6th October 2027.