Our Expertise
Our Memory Clinic team is comprised of Consultant Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists with expertise in the field of memory, cognition, dementia, and neuropsychology.
A memory clinic consultation may be helpful to consider if you may have noticed a change in yourself or a loved one, in one or more of the following areas:
- Altered states of consciousness
- Attention
- Cognitive difficulties following a head injury (e.g. sports injuries)
- If you think yourself or a loved one may have dementia
- Language abilities
- Memory
- Problem solving skills
- Visuospatial abilities
If you think you or a loved one may have dementia it can be helpful to receive a diagnosis as early as possible as this allows you and your family to have the best chance to prepare for the future and provides access to any treatments which could be helpful.
With early diagnosis and treatment and support from health care professionals, people with dementia can live lives which are fulfilling, active and in line with their values.
Alternatively, if you or a loved one is concerned that dementia may be underlying any difficulties, it can be helpful and re-assuring to have an assessment which may conclude that this is not the underlying cause.
Difficulties with cognition, including memory, are not always due to dementia and can be due to mental health difficulties (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress), side effects of medication, head injuries, and certain physical health problems, including pain and delirium.
At the practice we have expertise in working with high performance athletes. A consultation at our Memory Clinic can be utilised to assess for potential cognitive impairment, as a result of sports related head injuries.
The Assessment Process
Memory Clinic Assessment
The assessment includes an initial 90-minute consultation with one of our Consultant Psychiatrists, where information will be gathered from you and someone who knows you well. Following this appointment, it may be possible for our Consultant Psychiatrist to provide a diagnosis, however, it is likely further investigation and assessment will be required. It may be determined that a brain scan is required and you will be referred to Nuffield Health Hospital Edinburgh for an MRI or CT brain scan. Nuffield Health Hospital Edinburgh will contact you to arrange the scan and send you an invoice to pay them directly. Following your scan they will send the results to us for your Consultant Psychiatrist to review. It may also be determined that neuropsychological assessment is required and we will then book this appointment for you with one of our Clinical Psychologists and results of this assessment will be provided to your Consultant Psychiatrist.
Following your scan and/or neuropsychological assessment results being received you will then have a one-hour feedback appointment with your Consultant Psychiatrist to discuss the results and the outcome of the assessment and potential future treatment options. A written report will then be sent to you which outlines the assessment process, findings and any diagnosis which is suitable, as well as future recommendations for psychological and psychiatric treatment.
Neuropsychological Assessment
A neuropsychological assessment may be required; this will be discussed and determined following your initial consultation. If required, you will meet with a Clinical Psychologist for further appointments to undertake standardised neuropsychological assessments, this can take approximately 3-4 hours. Undertaking a neuropsychological assessment will involve answering a range of questions, completing 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.
