Anyone who has noticed changes in their memory, concentration, language, or daily functioning — or whose family or GP has raised concerns. 

You do not need to be certain something is wrong. Many people come to us precisely because they want reassurance, and we are just as well placed to provide that as we are to diagnose. 

If you have been told there is a long NHS wait, or if you have had an inconclusive assessment elsewhere, a private assessment can provide clarity quickly.

Early symptoms vary depending on the type of dementia, but commonly include: forgetting recent events or conversations while remembering older memories clearly; difficulty finding the right word mid-sentence; getting confused in familiar places; struggling to follow complex conversations or instructions; changes in mood, personality, or social behaviour; and difficulty with planning, organising, or managing finances. Not all of these symptoms indicate dementia — many have other causes — which is precisely why a thorough assessment is important.

Memory loss has many causes, not all of them dementia. Common reversible causes include thyroid dysfunction, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia, urinary tract infections, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, medication side effects, and alcohol use. Our assessment tests for all of these alongside the neurological assessment — so you leave knowing exactly what is causing your symptoms, and with a plan to address it.

A memory assessment looks at your symptoms, medical history, mood, sleep, medication, day-to-day function and cognitive performance. We combine this with blood tests and MRI brain imaging, before review by a Consultant Memory Psychiatrist.

An MRI brain scan does not diagnose dementia on its own. It helps look for other causes of symptoms, such as strokes, vascular change, fluid build-up or structural problems, and may show patterns of brain change that support a diagnosis.

Most patients complete the full assessment pathway and receive their diagnosis within one week of their first appointment. In some cases, where clinical findings are straightforward, a diagnosis can be reached at the assessment consultation itself. We can typically offer appointments within 5–10 working days of your initial enquiry.

Yes — for the first time, disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease are now available. Leqembi (lecanemab) and Donanemab (Kisunla) both target amyloid plaques in the brain and have been shown to slow cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Critically, both treatments require a formal diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's to determine eligibility. This makes early assessment more important than it has ever been — if treatment is to be considered, a clear clinical picture must be established before the disease progresses.

Yes. Dr Sajjadi remains your consultant after diagnosis. Follow-up appointments, medication reviews, adjustments to your care plan, and family or carer consultations are all available through The Private Doctors. You will never be handed back to your GP with a report and no ongoing support. For many families, this continuity is the most important part of what we offer.

Yes. 

The written medical report produced following your assessment can be used to support a wide range of practical and legal matters — including discussions with your GP about NHS treatment and referral, DVLA guidance on fitness to drive, applications for Lasting Power of Attorney, applications for Attendance Allowance and council tax exemption, and evidence for care needs assessments. 

Our team can advise on how best to use your report for your specific circumstances.