What happens at a dementia assessment
Every step of the assessment, what it involves and what happens afterwards, so you know what to expect.
Registered with the Care Quality Commission
No GP referral needed
Before your first appointment
What we send you
Before your heart rhythm test, we post you a box with the monitor and its cable, spare sticky pads, an alcohol wipe and gauze to prepare your skin, a razor if you ask for one, a paper symptom tracker, a feedback form and prepaid packaging to send it all back.
What helps to have ready
A list of the changes you or your family have noticed, and of any medicines you take. It can also help to have someone who knows you well with you.
Each step of the assessment
What happens, where and why. From booking to diagnosis typically takes 20 working days.
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Today
Call or send an enquiry
We answer your questions and book your first appointment. No GP referral is needed.
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From the same week
Cognitive examination
A mental health nurse carries out a cognitive examination covering attention, orientation, memory and language, as well as visual perception and visuospatial skills.
The results show which areas of thinking are affected, and by how much.
By video at home, or face-to-face at our London Waterloo clinic. Length: About two hours, including questions about your family history
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Next
Blood test
A phlebotomist takes a blood sample at your chosen address.
It is checked for other conditions that can affect memory and thinking, so they can be treated or ruled out.
At your chosen address
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Next
Brain scan
An MRI or CT scan shows the structure of the brain, including any areas of shrinkage, to help find what may be causing the changes.
Both scans are painless, and you lie still while the scanner takes pictures. MRI uses a magnetic field and CT uses X-rays, so which scan you have depends on your health, for example some implants rule out MRI.
At one of over 200 scan centres across the UK
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Next
24-hour heart rhythm monitor
A monitor worn for 24 hours gives a picture of your heart health and of risk factors that can affect the brain.
Sent to your home. Returning it: In the prepaid envelope provided, at a Post Office counter. Please do not use a post box, and keep your proof of postage.
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Typically within 20 working days of booking
Consultant appointment and diagnosis
Once your results are back, a consultant old age psychiatrist reviews them with you, confirms your diagnosis and advises on next steps.
By video, or face-to-face at our London Waterloo clinic, on a separate day
What happens after a dementia assessment
Your report and care plan
You receive a written report with your diagnosis and care plan, which you can share with other clinicians and services.
If the assessment finds dementia
Your report sets out the type of dementia (where it can be identified) and the recommended next steps, which may include treatment, support and planning ahead.
Where to get dementia supportIf it finds another cause
The assessment may point to another cause for the changes, such as a physical health problem or low mood. Your report explains the findings and what may help.
Your GP and the NHS
With your consent, we send your report to your GP, so your care can continue through the NHS or privately.
How private assessment works alongside the NHSDriving
If you drive, you must tell the DVLA about a diagnosis of dementia, or the DVA if you live in Northern Ireland. A diagnosis does not always mean you have to stop driving.
Planning ahead
Many people use the time after a diagnosis to plan, for example by making a lasting power of attorney. If a solicitor needs a mental capacity assessment, we can help.
Mental capacity assessmentsQuestions about the assessment
See all questionsHow long does a dementia assessment take?
Your first appointment is available the same week you contact us, and from booking to diagnosis typically takes 20 working days.
How is dementia diagnosed?
There is no single test for dementia. A diagnosis brings together a cognitive examination, a blood test, a brain scan and your history. In our assessment, a consultant old age psychiatrist reviews the results and confirms the diagnosis.
More about dementia testsCan someone come with me?
Yes. Many people find it helps to have a family member or friend with them, particularly for the consultant appointment.
Will my GP be told?
Only with your consent. With your consent, we send your report to your GP once your assessment is complete.
Can I have the assessment if I do not live near London?
Yes. Most of the assessment happens at home by video, with a blood test at your chosen address and a brain scan at one of over 200 centres across the UK. We assess people across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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.