Our team
Our Memory Clinic team includes Consultant Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists with expertise in memory, cognition, dementia, and neuropsychology.
When a memory clinic consultation might help
A consultation may be worth considering if you’ve noticed a change in yourself or a loved one in areas such as:
Attention
Language abilities
Memory
Problem-solving skills
Visuospatial abilities (judging distances, navigating, or recognising shapes)
Altered states of consciousness
Cognitive difficulties following a head injury (for example, a sports injury)
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have dementia, that’s also a good reason to get in touch.
Why an early assessment can help
If you think you or a loved one may have dementia, getting a diagnosis as early as possible can be helpful. It gives you and your family the best chance to prepare for the future, and access to any treatments that could help.
With early diagnosis, treatment, and the right support, people with dementia can live fulfilling, active lives in line with what matters to them.
It can also be reassuring to have an assessment that concludes dementia isn’t the underlying cause. Difficulties with memory and thinking aren’t always due to dementia – they can also result from mental health difficulties (for example depression, anxiety, or stress), medication side effects, head injuries, or certain physical health problems, including pain and delirium.
We also have expertise working with high-performance athletes, and can assess for potential cognitive impairment following sports-related head injuries.
Stage 1: your initial consultation
The assessment starts with a 90-minute consultation with one of our Consultant Psychiatrists. Information is gathered from you and from someone who knows you well.
Following this appointment, your psychiatrist may be able to give a diagnosis – though it’s likely further investigation and assessment will be needed first.
Stage 2: further investigations, if needed
Your psychiatrist may decide a brain scan is needed. If so, you’ll be referred to Nuffield Health Hospital Edinburgh for an MRI or CT scan.
Nuffield Health Hospital Edinburgh will contact you directly to arrange your scan, and will invoice you directly for payment – this isn’t handled through The Edinburgh Practice. Once your scan is complete, they’ll send the results to us for your psychiatrist to review.
A neuropsychological assessment may also be needed. If so, we’ll book this for you with one of our Clinical Psychologists, and the results will be shared with your psychiatrist.
Stage 3: your feedback appointment
Once your scan and/or neuropsychological assessment results are back, you’ll have a one-hour feedback appointment with your psychiatrist to discuss the results, the outcome of your assessment, and any treatment options.
You’ll then receive a written report covering the assessment process, the findings, any diagnosis, and recommendations for further psychological or psychiatric support.
What a neuropsychological assessment involves
If a neuropsychological assessment is needed, this will be discussed and agreed with you after your initial consultation.
You’ll meet with a Clinical Psychologist for further appointments, which usually take around 3-4 hours in total. This involves answering a range of questions, along with some written assessments and practical tasks.
FAQs
The memory clinic is a specialised service for adults (18+ years) presenting with potential cognitive difficulties, including dementia. The service is led by consultant psychiatrists and clinical psychologists specialising in memory, cognition, and dementia. Our memory clinic delivers expert multi-disciplinary assessment and follows up treatment and support.
Preparing for your memory clinic appointment can feel a bit overwhelming, but a little preparation can really help things go smoothly.
It’s a good idea to bring your glasses or hearing aids if you use them, so you can feel as comfortable as possible during the visit. You might also find it helpful to come with someone you trust who knows you well, as they can offer support and help share useful information.
Bringing a list of your current medications is really important, as well as any recent blood test or scan results if you have them. You may also want to jot down a few notes beforehand about your symptoms, your daily routine, and any relevant personal or medical history. This can make it easier to talk through everything during your appointment.
Most importantly, try not to worry, this appointment is there to help you, and the team will guide you through the process.
The Scottish Government has guaranteed at least one year of post-diagnostic support for everyone diagnosed with dementia.
This support is provided by a Post Diagnostic Support Link Worker, who will be allocated to you for a minimum of one year. This may be delivered by Alzheimer Scotland Link Workers on behalf of the NHS, or directly by NHS staff, depending on your area.
Following your diagnosis, and with your consent, your Link Worker will arrange to meet with you to talk through your diagnosis, understand what matters most to you, and explore the types of support that may be helpful.
Although there is no cure for dementia, a lot can be done to support both people living with dementia and those who care for them. Knowing the type of dementia is also important as it can allow you to get the right treatment.
The practice can offer a range of support services. Our psychiatry team can offer medication reviews to help manage symptoms of dementia, make sure your medication is working well for you, and check for any side effects or changes that may need support.
Our psychology team can support both individuals and their families after diagnosis. This includes carer support, offering a space to talk, gain guidance, and feel supported in your caring role. Psychological therapy will be available to help with things like anxiety, mood, or adjusting to changes. Post-diagnostic sessions are also offered to help you and your family understand dementia, what it may mean for you, and how to support you in everyday life.
Our Fees
£580
90-minute Memory Clinic Consultation
£475
MRI scan
Nuffield Health Hospital Edinburgh will contact you to book in the scan and take payment
£650
CT Scan
Nuffield Health Hospital Edinburgh will contact you to book in the scan and take payment
£1125
Neuropsychological Assessment
£370
Psychiatry Appointment - 60 minutes
£210
Psychiatry Appointment - 30 minutes
£140
Psychology Appointment - 60 minutes
If you would like to book an appointment or assessment, please complete and submit a referral form. If you would like to get in contact for more information or advice please complete the form on our contact us page and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
