What is a memory clinic? What happens at an appointment

A memory clinic, also called a memory service or memory assessment service, is an NHS service where dementia specialists assess memory and thinking problems to find out whether someone has dementia and, if so, which type. A GP or other health professional usually makes the referral, and the appointment involves a conversation, memory tests and sometimes a scan.

At a glance

• Memory services employ doctors who specialise in dementia, plus nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and other staff.
• Appointments can be in a clinic, at home or by phone or video, though physical tests may need a clinic visit.
• Expect questions about changes you have noticed, medical history, daily life and mood, plus memory and thinking tests.
• Bring someone who knows the person well, and a list of medicines.
• Waits range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the area and how serious the symptoms are.

What is a memory clinic and who works there?

A memory clinic is the specialist step after a GP has checked for other causes of memory problems. Our guide to how dementia is diagnosed covers the full pathway; this page focuses on the clinic itself. NICE guidance says people should have access to a memory service or an equivalent multidisciplinary dementia service, and its quality standard describes a specialist diagnostic service as potentially being a memory clinic or a community old-age psychiatry service.

The consultant may be an old-age psychiatrist, a general adult psychiatrist (often for people under 65), a geriatrician, who also checks for other health conditions, or a neurologist, often for younger people or rarer types of dementia. You may also meet mental health nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers and dementia advisers.

Where do appointments take place?

Alzheimer’s Society says assessments can take place at a clinic, at your home, or by phone or video call, although physical tests may still need a clinic visit. Alzheimer’s Society says assessments can also be arranged at home if someone cannot travel, or by phone or video call, although physical tests may still need a clinic visit. If travel, hearing, sight or anxiety make a standard appointment hard, say so when booking. NICE expects services to be accessible to people with sensory, physical or learning disabilities and to people without a carer.

What happens at the first appointment?

There is no single format, but the specialist is trying to build a full picture. Typically this includes:

• A conversation about the changes you or your family have noticed and your medical history. NICE says a history should be taken from the person and, where possible, someone who knows them well.
• Questions about daily life, relationships, home and mental health.
• Memory and thinking tests, which may be more detailed than those used by the GP. NICE names brief tools such as the 6CIT, Mini-Cog and Test Your Memory test, and notes that a verbal memory test is used if Alzheimer’s is suspected.
• Physical examination and blood tests, if they have not already been done.
• A brain scan, either at the same visit or arranged separately.

Alzheimer’s Society does not state how long an appointment lasts, so ask the clinic when you book and allow plenty of time. You may be asked to return for further tests before a diagnosis can be given.

Which scans might be arranged?

The NHS says the specialist may order a CT or MRI scan. NICE advises that these structural scans are generally offered to exclude other causes unless dementia is well established and the type is clear. More specialised tests, such as a PET scan, spinal fluid test or SPECT scan, are considered only if they would change the plan of care, for example to help tell Alzheimer’s from dementia with Lewy bodies. A normal scan does not rule out dementia. For what the different types involve, see types of dementia.

How can you prepare?

• Take a companion. Alzheimer’s Society suggests a friend or relative to support you and help you remember what is said.
• Write down examples of changes: missed bills, repeated questions, getting lost on familiar routes. Our early signs of dementia guide may help you describe them.
• Bring a list of all medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal ones.
• Prepare questions and note any medical terms. The NHS says you can ask to come back if you think of more questions afterwards.
• Bring glasses and hearing aids, if used, so that tests are not affected by sensory problems.

It can help to explain beforehand to the person being assessed that this is a check-up to understand what is happening, in words that suit them. Questions to put to the specialist include: What do you think is causing the symptoms? Which tests are still needed? What support is available now? Who is our named contact?

How long will you wait, and what can you do meanwhile?

Alzheimer’s Society says waits for a specialist referral are usually a few weeks to several months, depending on where you live and how severe the symptoms are, and that overall some people are diagnosed within weeks while others wait over a year. NICE sets no fixed deadline. While you wait, ask whether the service offers pre-diagnostic counselling, keep up activities you enjoy and look after general health. If symptoms change suddenly, contact the GP promptly, as a sudden change can signal a health problem such as pain, constipation or an infection; see delirium and UTIs in older people.

What happens after the appointment?

The specialist explains what they think is causing the symptoms and what support may help. If the person does not want to hear the diagnosis directly, Alzheimer’s Society says the specialist can discuss it with someone they trust. The NHS says the memory service may continue seeing people in the early stages, with the GP reviewing how they are managing.

Depending on the diagnosis, NICE guidance supports the following:

• A single named professional to coordinate care and help plan support.
• Group cognitive stimulation therapy for mild to moderate dementia, and consideration of group reminiscence work; see reminiscence therapy for dementia.
• Medicines such as donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, and memantine in some cases. These can ease symptoms for some people but do not stop the condition.
• Skills training and support for carers, and a discussion about planning ahead, including lasting power of attorney.

Not every assessment ends in a dementia diagnosis. The NHS notes that mild cognitive impairment can increase the risk of later dementia but can also have causes such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems that are treatable. The clinic may suggest a review after a period.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to a memory clinic?

Usually yes. A GP or another health professional refers the person once other causes have been looked at. Ask your GP surgery or your integrated care board how referrals work locally.

Can someone else go to the appointment with me?

Yes, and it is encouraged. Alzheimer’s Society suggests bringing a friend or relative to help you remember what is discussed, and NICE says specialists should take a history from someone who knows the person well.

Will I be told the result on the day?

Not always. Some people need further tests or a scan first. The specialist should ask whether you want to know the diagnosis and explain it, with written information to take away.

Is the memory clinic free?

Memory services are part of the NHS and are free at the point of use. Long-term care that may follow is usually means-tested; see the dementia tax explained.

What if I disagree with the outcome?

Ask the clinic to explain its reasoning and what happens next. You can ask your GP whether a second opinion is possible. Alzheimer’s Society says it would be unusual for a GP to refuse a request for a second opinion on whether to refer.

Where to get help next

If you are caring for someone while you wait, the Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline is free on 0800 888 6678. Our guides to dementia support groups, coping with a diagnosis and carers assessments can help with the next steps, and you can explore local services via find care.

Sources

• Alzheimer’s Society: Referral to a dementia specialist
• NHS: Getting a dementia diagnosis
• NICE: Dementia (NG97), recommendations
• NICE: Dementia quality standard, statement 2: diagnosis
• NHS: Causes of dementia

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 9 November 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.