It’s normal for memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you’re becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you’re over the age of 65, it’s a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia.
Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.
There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types – Alzheimer’s for example.
Living with dementia
How your GP can help
If you have a diagnosis of dementia, your GP will:
- Have yearly appointments with you to review your condition (see below for more information)
- Give information about driving and how your condition may affect it
– See here for more information - Take the contact details of a carer, family member or friend for the patient’s record
- The GP might talk with the patient about making plans for the future, when you may not have the ability to make your own decisions anymore. This may seem far off and extreme, but it is better to make plans early than to regret not having made them later on.
– See here for our advice on end of life planning
Yearly dementia review
Your GP will:
- Ask you questions about
– Your understanding of your condition
– Mood and welfare
– Your contact details - Review of your medication
- Ask about any changes in behaviour
- Discuss advance care planning
- Talk to your carer about whether they need any support
Diagnosis
Symptoms
- Memory loss
- Problems with thinking speed
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Difficulty with language, such as using words incorrectly, or trouble speaking
- Problems with understanding and judgement
- Changes in mood and social interactions
- Difficulty with movement and doing daily activities
- Changes in personality (such as a loss of empathy and compassion)
- Hallucinations seeing or hearing things that other people do not
Non-urgent advice:
If you, or somebody you know (particularly if aged over 65), start to experience some of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with a GP
Seeing your GP
Before your appointment
If you or somebody you know is having a doctor’s appointment to discuss a possible diagnosis of dementia, you may want to consider the following in advance of seeing the GP:
- Writing down whatever symptoms you have experienced (including how long they have been going on for)
– Alzheimer’s Society has a symptom checklist that you can fill in online or print out and take to your appointment - Make a note of any medicines you are taking
- Bringing a friend or relative with you for support and to help you explain the situation
Your appointment
When you see your GP, they will:
- Ask you about your symptoms and larger medical history
- How your problems affect your daily life
- Test your memory and cognitive abilities:
– State the day, date, and year
– Name some common objects (from pictures or as answers to questions)
– Remember and repeat items to test concentration and short-term memory
– Complete a drawing
They might also:
- Request a blood test
- Take a urine sample
- Request a heart trace (ECG)
After your appointment, your doctor might refer you to a specialist who will conduct further tests and scans.
Support and resources
For dementia patients
- Alzheimer’s Society has a search function to find local support in your area (transport, social groups, care homes etc.)
– Click here to search - Advice on having a dementia-friendly home, so that you can stay independent for longer
– Click here for more information
For dementia carers
- A practical guide to caring for somebody with dementia. You can view the leaflet online or order it to your home.
– See here for the PDF version - How to look after yourself when caring for somebody with dementia
– Click here for more information