How to get a dementia diagnosis

Talk to your GP

If you’re worried about symptoms that may be dementia, start by talking to your GP.

Your GP will carry out an initial assessment. It will help you if you know what to expect and how you can have a good conversation about dementia. You can use our symptoms checklist to help describe any symptoms.

Advice for talking to your GP

• Dementia assessment with your GP, find out what to expect from your visit.
• Tips for talking to your GP about dementia, these tips will help you to get the most out of your appointment.
• Dementia symptoms checklist, to help you make a note of symptoms before you talk to your GP.

Referral to a dementia specialist

If your GP or another health professional thinks it’s possible you might have dementia, they will refer you to a local memory service, which has medical staff who specialise in dementia.

They will test your memory and see how you answer different types of questions. You may also have a scan to check for changes in your brain.

Based on the assessment and test results, the specialist will discuss their findings with you. You will then be able to access the support that is right for you 

Information about referrals and tests

• Referral to a dementia specialist advice, If your GP thinks you may have dementia, they will refer you to a specialist for tests.
• Tests and scans to diagnose dementia, find out about the tests and scans you might have if you’re referred to a specialist.

How long does it take?

The assessment process can vary, and will not be the same for everyone.

For many people, getting a dementia diagnosis can be quite simple and take just a few weeks. For others it can take much longer – sometimes more than a year.