What happens at the memory clinic?
For carers in West Lothian
What is a memory clinic for?
A memory clinic (or memory assessment service) helps to:
Work out what is causing memory and thinking changes that are worrying you
Rule out treatable causes so you can get back to what was normal for you
Diagnose dementia type where possible because each type progresses differently
Give advice, treatment options, and support planning for the future
Link people and families to post diagnostic support including the support from Carers of West Lothian
Who you might see there?
Depending on the appointment, you may meet
Specialist nurses,
Psychiatrist or psychologist,
Occupational therapists,
Doctors specialising in older people’s health or psychiatry
What the appointment is like
Most assessments have three parts.
1) A conversation about changes over time
They will ask about:
Memory, language, judgement, organisation, mood, sleep
Everyday tasks: cooking, shopping, finances, medication, driving
Safety issues and what support is already in place
Carer input matters. You can ask for time to speak privately if needed.
2) Thinking and memory tests
This is not an exam, though it can feel a bit like one. Relax and do your best. They help show what kind of difficulties you are having. Tasks may include:
Remembering words or a short story
Drawing a shape or clock
Concentration and attention tasks
Naming objects and following instructions
Some people find this tiring or embarrassing. That feeling is quite common, and the staff know it has that effect.
3) Physical health review and investigations
To rule out other causes of brain problems and help decide a treatment plan, they may arrange:
Blood tests (for example thyroid, B12, folate, infection markers)
A review of medications and any side effects
Brain scans (CT or MRI) if appropriate
Sometimes ECG or other checks depending on symptoms
What information helps most?
It’s really useful if you can arrive with some records to support the questions you’ll be asked. Keeping a diary or note of problems and preparing a list is helpful. It means you are less likely to forget the things you want to mention. The team want to know what changes have happened and what is worrying you, so here’s what would help…
A clear list of changes in the person with real life examples
Any episodes of sudden confusion, falls, hallucinations, or blackouts
Medication list, alcohol intake and information about smoking
Family history of health problems
Current support that you have at home and any risks at home that are worrying you
Possible outcomes
After assessment, there might be a dementia diagnosis, but on the other hand they may say
There’s no evidence of dementia at present, but advice would be given on monitoring any future changes that might be worrying
Or there is evidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is a reduction in brain health, but not necessarily leading to dementia. There should be a plan for following up over time and advice on brain health.
Or sometimes the doctors decide there’s a need for further tests or follow up visits
Questions carers often want to ask
What diagnosis do you think it is, and how sure are you?
What else could be causing these problems?
What tests are planned and what are they looking for?
What should we do while we wait for results?
What support is available locally in West Lothian?
Who do we contact if things worsen quickly?
Can you advise about driving and safety at home?
What should we tell family and friends?
If it is a dementia diagnosis there are treatments and support you might hear about
Medication may be discussed for some types of dementia
Help with sleep, mood, pain, hearing, vision, and physical health
Advice on daily routines, communication, and safety
Referral to post diagnostic support and community services
Planning ahead: power of attorney, driving, home supports
How Carers of West Lothian can support you
Carers of West Lothian can help you prepare for the appointment, attend with you if appropriate, and support you emotionally and practically after results. You may not feel able to ask all the right questions at the time of the clinic appointment, but CoWL is there to help you pick up the pieces afterwards.
Further reading from Prof June Andrews
There is more information on diagnosis at www.juneandrews.net
