Memory Problems and Dementia: Finding Support in the UK

Memory changes can have many causes, including stress, low mood, poor sleep, medicines or other health problems, as well as dementia. The NHS advises seeing a GP if you or someone close to you is worried. The GP can do checks and may refer to a memory clinic or memory assessment service. Only a doctor or specialist team can diagnose dementia.

After a diagnosis, NHS memory services and community teams may offer information, cognitive stimulation therapy groups (which NICE recommends for mild to moderate dementia), occupational therapy and support for carers. Local councils can do a needs assessment and a carer’s assessment. Charities include Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK (with its Admiral Nurse helpline) and Age UK. Services vary by area.

• Psychologists, including clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists, who can do detailed memory and thinking assessments, and help with low mood, anxiety or adjusting to a diagnosis, for the person and for carers.
• Occupational therapists, who look at daily routines, safety at home, equipment, memory aids and ways to stay independent for longer.
• Speech and language therapists, who help with word-finding, conversation and communication, and with eating and swallowing difficulties.
• Music therapists and other arts therapists, who use music or art to support connection and wellbeing.
• Counsellors and psychotherapists, who can support carers and family members through change and loss.

Before you book, look the practitioner up yourself on the official register. Psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians and arts therapists must be on the HCPC register to use those titles. Counsellors and psychotherapists are usually on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, such as BACP, UKCP, BPC or NCPS. Psychiatrists are doctors on the GMC register. Our guide to checking a register shows how. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner’s register and number is shown on their profile so you can check it too.

Private assessments and sessions are paid for by the person or family, and fees vary widely, so ask for a written quote. Some health insurance covers some of this. Ask practitioners about their experience with memory problems and dementia, whether they can visit at home, how they will involve family or carers, and how they would share information with the GP, with consent. See helping someone find a practitioner.

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