If you are worried that you may be developing a dementia then please visit your GP and discuss your concerns with them initially. It might be helpful to take someone with you for support.
Your GP is already aware of your physical health and the medications you are taking. With your permission they should do a brief memory test with you and if you have someone with you they may ask them some questions as well. Your GP will hopefully be able to reassure you that things are OK, but in some cases they may feel that you would benefit from a referral to us for an assessment.
They will ask for your consent to refer you to the Memory Assessment Service and ask you who the best person is to contact about an appointment - it may be yourself or someone who you give permission to act on your behalf. If you haven't recently had blood tests they may organise for these to be done as well.
Part of our assessment would ideally involve a CT brain scan. It may not be necessary in some cases but it would be helpful to tell your GP whether you agree to a scan.
Can only GPs refer me to MAS?
Although most referrals come directly from a GP or other GP surgery staff (such as Nurse Practitioners), other health and social care professionals who have seen you can also refer to us. This includes hospital staff such as DOME (Department of Medicine for the Elderly) or Neurology (Parkinson’s disease clinics).
Paramedics and social workers can also refer but they need to inform your GP they are doing so and ensure the relevant blood tests have been carried out, and that your consent has been obtained.