Memory clinic referral - what to expect?

[MrsOnyx]

Hello all - this is my first post in this board. My DH (76) has been referred to The Memory Clinic by our GP, to be assessed for a dementia diagnosis.

I will, of course, take him when the appointment comes through. I assume it will be at our local hospital?? But has anyone had any experience of this clinic as I have no idea what to expect, or what happens when we get there. (I understand it could be a few months before the appointment comes through, but we can wait). Thank you for any insights anyone can offer.

My Mum was referred to a specialist clinic. They ran through a number of written and spoken exercises. They're designed to test various aspects of the memory. It was done kindly and with sensitivity, but Mum was still aware she wasn't always getting the right answer! It's a few years ago now, but things like repeating word order and reversing it, writing the time on a clock face, knowing the date/year, who is prime minister, etc.. They were able to make detailed recommendations back to the GP for medication - that may have changed.

It may be at a hospital or may be at a community clinic with the older persons community mental health team (brain health is often under mental health). It may be just one appointment or may be a few. In our area appt 1 would be asking about perceived changes (that you and him see), appt 2-3 would be assessments which test brain abilities including memory.

No matter where you live, I would go prepared to 1) talk about any changes (memory, behaviour, personality, abilities, how much support he needs) 2) him to likely do some puzzles and games

My husband had these tests a couple of weeks ago and they are still the same, was given a short address which he had to recall at the end of the test but basically the same. Pictures of animals and had to say what they were, clock face, names of colours to remember.
He did get a little upset at one point as he thought they were going too fast for him to gather his thoughts but they set his mind at rest and he settled down.
This was in our local small hospital in their clinic and the test lasted about 20 minutes.

Thank you for your replies. I have been making a list of behaviours and actions which are of concern, such as memory loss, confusion, loss of ability to understand things such as finances, inability to think of words or using the wrong words when speaking .... it's getting to be a longish list, sadly. I'll take that with us when we go. I just want to be prepared and to help as much as possible when we get there.

My husband had these tests a couple of weeks ago and they are still the same, was given a short address which he had to recall at the end of the test but basically the same. Pictures of animals and had to say what they were, clock face, names of colours to remember

My mil went a few months ago. Her appointment was very similar sounding to the above. As a result of that, she had an MRI and has an appointment in the new year to discuss the findings.

He already had had MRI and other tests due to Parkinsons so our diagnosis was given quite quickly - unfortunately it was positive for Dementia.

my mum had this test fairly early on her dementia diagnosis and it was clear that something was a bit off as it were she then had an mri and from that they diagnosed mixed dementia alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Sadly in 18 months her decline has been quite severe and rather rapid