Glossary

What is Memory clinic?

A memory clinic is a specialist service, usually at a hospital or university, that assesses people with memory or thinking problems and diagnoses the cause.

An assessment typically involves a detailed history from the person and a family member, cognitive testing, blood tests and a brain scan, sometimes across more than one visit. The output is a diagnosis, or a clear statement that there is not one yet, and a plan.

Referral usually comes from a primary care doctor. Some clinics take self-referrals.

Why it matters

A named diagnosis unlocks treatment, planning and benefits; without one, everything is guesswork.

Memory clinic where you live

The local guide on this, for each city we cover.

Related terms

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