What Happens at a Memory Clinic?
If you or a loved one has been referred to a memory clinic, it is natural to feel a little unsure about what to expect. Memory clinics are there to help find out what might be causing problems with memory, thinking or behaviour. For many people, this is the first step towards understanding what is happening and getting the right support in place.
At a memory clinic, you will meet professionals who specialise in diagnosing conditions like dementia. They will take time to ask questions, carry out tests and, if needed, arrange further assessments such as brain scans. The goal is to build a clear picture of what is going on so that you can plan for the future with confidence.
In this guide, we explain what happens before, during and after a memory clinic appointment, so you can feel better prepared and know what to expect.
While you wait for your appointment
Waiting for a memory clinic appointment can take time, and it is normal to feel anxious or uncertain during this period. However, there are a few simple things you can do while you wait that can help both you and the clinic team make the most of your visit.
Keep a diary
Make a note of any changes you notice like forgetfulness, confusion or difficulties with daily tasks. Writing these down as they happen can help you give clearer examples during your appointment.
Stay organised
Using calendars, reminder notes or phone alerts can help manage day-to-day tasks and reduce stress. Having these routines in place can also help you feel more in control.
Check your hearing and eyesight
Undiagnosed hearing or vision loss can sometimes worsen memory problems. Getting checked by an optician or audiologist is a helpful step, and if glasses or hearing aids are prescribed, using them regularly can make a real difference.
Prepare your questions
Think about what you would like to ask at the appointment. Writing down your concerns or questions in advance can help you feel more confident and ensure you cover what matters most.
Taking these small steps now can help the memory clinic team build a clearer picture of your needs and provide the right advice and support moving forward.
What to expect at your memory clinic appointment
A memory clinic appointment is your chance to speak with specialists who understand how memory and thinking can change over time. The goal is to find out what may be causing these changes and whether further investigation or support is needed.
You may be offered a choice between a phone appointment and an in-person visit. In-person appointments tend to be more thorough, though you may have to wait slightly longer. Appointments usually last around 90 minutes, but this can vary depending on the clinic and the tests involved.
During your visit, you might see more than one professional. These may include:
- A psychiatrist
- A neurologist or geriatrician
- A mental health nurse, occupational therapist or psychologist
Each specialist brings a different perspective, helping to build a fuller understanding of your situation. If possible, you will be asked to bring a family member or friend who knows you well. They can provide helpful insights and support you during the appointment.
You will be asked about your medical history, lifestyle and any symptoms you have been experiencing. There will also be memory and thinking tests, and in some cases, you may be offered a brain scan or additional testing.
Although it can feel like a lot to take in, the team will guide you through each part of the process. Their goal is to provide clarity and support, whatever the outcome.
Reviewing medical history and lifestyle
One of the first steps during your memory clinic appointment is a detailed discussion about your overall health and lifestyle. This helps the clinical team understand if there are any medical or personal factors that could be affecting your memory or thinking.
You may be asked about:
- Existing or past health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke or high blood pressure
- Any recent hospital stays or surgeries
- Current medications, including over-the-counter remedies or supplements
- Mood, sleep patterns and mental health, particularly symptoms of anxiety or depression
- Lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol use, physical activity and diet
- Family history of memory problems or neurological conditions
This information gives important context for any symptoms you are experiencing. For example, low mood or poor sleep can sometimes mimic or worsen memory difficulties. By understanding the full picture, the clinic team can give more accurate guidance and avoid misdiagnosis.
It is helpful to bring a list of your medications and any notes you have kept about recent changes in your health. The more information you can share, the better equipped the clinic will be to support you.
Questions about your symptoms and daily life
After reviewing your medical background, the specialist will want to understand how your symptoms are affecting your everyday life. This part of the appointment focuses on practical changes you or your loved ones may have noticed.
You might be asked about:
- Forgetfulness or confusion that affects conversations or routines
- Difficulty completing tasks that used to feel straightforward, such as cooking, shopping or handling finances
- Changes in mood, behaviour or judgement
- Getting lost or disoriented in familiar places
- Struggles with planning, decision-making or following instructions
If you have been keeping a diary of symptoms, it can help you recall specific examples. These details give a clearer picture of what is happening day to day and how regularly the challenges occur.
The specialist may also speak with the person who came with you. Family members or friends can often describe changes that the person affected may not notice themselves.
This part of the assessment helps the clinic team understand how memory or thinking difficulties are impacting quality of life and whether further investigation is needed.
Memory and thinking tests
As part of your visit, you will be asked to complete a series of memory and thinking tests. These are designed to assess how well different parts of your brain are working. They are more detailed than the brief checks that might be done at a GP surgery.
The tests may include tasks such as:
- Recalling words or repeating information
- Solving simple problems or following instructions
- Naming objects or identifying pictures
- Answering questions about time, place and recent events
These tasks help the specialist understand how your memory, attention, language and problem-solving skills are functioning. They are not exams, and there are no right or wrong answers. Everyone is different, and the results are simply used to build a clearer picture of how you are doing.
If anything feels difficult or confusing, the person carrying out the tests will guide you gently and give you time. Their aim is to support you throughout the process, not to judge.
Brain scans and further testing
Depending on the outcome of your initial assessment, the memory clinic may recommend a brain scan to help with diagnosis. These scans can provide useful information about changes in the structure or function of the brain.
You may be offered:
- A CT scan, which gives a basic view of the brain and can help rule out other causes like strokes or tumours
- An MRI scan, which provides more detailed images and can help detect signs of specific types of dementia
- In some cases, a PET scan may be used to assess brain activity, though this is less common
Not every memory clinic will offer the same types of scans, and the decision to recommend one will depend on your symptoms, medical history and what the clinical team feel is necessary.
Brain scans are not used alone to diagnose dementia, but they are a helpful tool when combined with memory tests, conversations and physical assessments. If a scan is suggested, the clinic will explain what it involves and why it may be useful in your case.
Diagnosis and next steps
Once all the tests, assessments and scans have been reviewed, the memory clinic team will bring everything together to form a clearer picture of what is causing your symptoms. If a diagnosis is made, they will explain what it means and what the likely next steps are.
You may receive:
- A diagnosis of dementia and, where possible, the specific type such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia
- A recommendation for further monitoring if symptoms are mild or unclear
- Advice on other possible causes of memory problems, such as stress, depression or medical conditions that can be treated
The team will talk you through treatment options, local support services and what to expect going forward. You will have the chance to ask questions and should be encouraged to take time to process the information.
Understanding the type of dementia can help you access the right care, make informed decisions and find the support that suits your needs best. If it is not possible to confirm the exact type, you will still receive guidance and follow-up.
From here, your GP and other local services will usually stay involved, and the memory clinic may continue to provide specialist support as needed.
How Country Cousins can help
Dementia is a complex illness. Even the smallest changes to one’s daily routine can cause unnecessary stress. This is why more and more families are relying on our dementia home care services as opposed to placing their loved ones within residential care homes.
As one of the UK’s leading dementia home care agencies, our nationwide team of carers are well-versed in supporting people with dementia, allowing them to live an independent life at home.
With our advanced live-in care and support, you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to ensure that carers are placed in long-term assignments, minimising the anxiety associated with someone constantly coming and going from the home.
Find clear, practical information on dementia — including types, symptoms, treatments and daily support. Download our dementia guide to get started.
Talk to our team today
We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, having provided bespoke live-in care to those who need it in their own homes since 1959.
Call our experienced team today on 01293 224706 to discuss your live-in home care needs and receive a free, no obligation quotation.
