Dementia Support Line
Dementia diagnosis
Diagnosing dementia: A practical guide to assessment
Download or order a print copy of our booklet for anyone worried about possible signs of dementia.
Need immediate support?
If you need support right now, call our dementia support line. Our dementia advisers are here to answer your questions about diagnosis and next steps.
Are you or someone you know experiencing symptoms that affect your daily life? Finding out what’s causing these changes will help to get the right treatment and support.
Benefits of getting dementia diagnosed
If you’re worried that you or someone you know might have dementia, the first thing to do is speak to your GP.
The GP will carry out an initial assessment. They may refer you to a specialist for further tests. Our symptoms checklist can help you better explain your symptoms to the GP.
How to speak to your GP about dementia
There is no single test used to diagnose dementia. A diagnosis is usually based on several tests and assessments. This could include mental ability tests and brain scans, but it varies for everyone.
Tests and scans used to diagnose dementia
For some people, getting a diagnosis of dementia can take a few weeks. For others, it can take longer - sometimes more than a year. This can be due to a number of things, including your medical history and what symptoms you have.
About the dementia diagnosis process
Getting a diagnosis of dementia affects people differently, and it can be a lot to deal with at once. But you’re not alone, and we can help you access the right support.
Newly diagnosed with dementia