Dementia | Nuffield Health

Symptoms might include:

Memory loss
Decline in reasoning
Personality changes
Periods of confusion
Sleep problems
Communication and language problems
Declining ability to perform daily tasks such as dressing, washing, cooking (caring for yourself)
Hallucinations (seeing things that are not there)

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of dementia it is important to get an early diagnosis. Your GP will need to rule out many conditions that share similar symptoms. They may order blood tests or scans to look for changes in your brain.

Your GP may refer you to a specialist to help confirm your diagnosis. Our experienced consultants can work with you or your loved one to fully diagnose and treat dementia.

Related tests and scans

CT scan (or CAT scan)

A CT scan is used to produce internal cross-sectional images of the body. The images aid the detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment planning.

Dementia and delirium screening

Dementia is a constant, slowly progressing loss of memory and function including attention, memory, orientation, judgment, abstract thinking, problem solving and personality.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An electroencephalogram (or EEG) is a painless test to measure the activity in your brain.

MRI scan

An MRI is a type of scan that creates detailed images of the inside of your body. Your doctor or healthcare professional has recommended an MRI scan because it is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

Related treatments and procedures

Care for the elderly

Our experienced consultants can diagnose and treat illness and conditions specific to older adult patients.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Clinical Psychology

Intermediate care

Medicine for the elderly

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy involves treating or training physically or emotionally ill people of all ages.

Sleep study and investigations

Nuffield Health Sleep Disorders Service provides treatment and advice for a wide range of sleep problems including sleep apnoea and snoring. We see patients of all ages, including the elderly, adolescents and children.