Referred to memory clinic

[Orangesandlemons77]

I've had some memory and other tests at the GPs and today they told me they are referring me to the memory clinic for more tests and possibly a neurologist referral, also a head ct scan.

I had a MRI head scan quite recently which was ok but that was specifically to look at certain nerves.

Anyone been through this? I'm 47 and my memory has been bad for years but worse recently. On HRT already, take some meds which might contribute and was thinking they would just say it was probably that.

There's a 30 week wait for the memory clinic anyway but might be able to see a neurologist or ct scan sooner.

Yes my husband has had them all, like I said on a previous thread the wait for the memory clinic is horrific. He had his Nurology things done at the Walton Hospital in Liverpool over a few months and they were brilliant.

I went to my gp for hrt , told him my worse symptom was brain fog and memory, he referred me to a memory clinic who said my memory was fine, they asked me simple questions such as what year is it, what's the date etc , then asked if I ever got lost or left the oven on . Went back to gp for hrt again and was told that I was flagged as depressed by the memory clinic. I gave up and still haven't got hrt.

I think if you say about any hot flushes they will give you the HRT.

Well they have written the referral, having the head CT scan also. I'm not really keen on the radiation as have had around 7 CT scans over the years, not head though.

Which do you think is better neurologist or memory clinic for this? It seems the memory clinic has a longer wait time.

A neurological exam is different to a memory clinic evaluation. A neurological exam tests for basic cognitive function (e.g. orientation) and neurological abnormalities/diseases. A memory evaluation tests the much more specific aspects of memory - short-term, long-term, immediate, retrieval, spatial, semantic, etc.

Thanks, they have referred me to the memory clinic, having the CT scan privately nearby. Memory clinic wait time is 25 weeks but they told me they would put me on a cancellation list once I had the scan as they come up quite often.

I had an MRI head scan last year for something else but it was focused on one nerve, without contrast, that was normal.

I wonder why they are doing this CT scan as well.

That sounds reasonable. Will be good to get things resolved.

Sending good wishes.

Thanks. yes it's a bit of a worry. Have not told anyone as think they will think it's daft at my age.

I work in memory clinic, unless you have a genetic family link of dementia, brain injury or history of strokes it's very unlikely to be dementia at your age.

We get referrals daily for people in their 40s it's usually depression, poly pharmacy or menopause causing the problems. Good luck and 25 weeks is a very long waiting time.

Do you have any other symptoms OP, issues with balance, vision, spasms, pain, fatigue?

I assume the GP has done full blood tests?
What sort of memory issues are you having?

I hope the wait isn't too long

Yes they have done the screening blood tests and also a urine test- only the cholesterol was a bit raised. Thanks

I had a nasty episode of shingles in the ear about a year ago and that caused some problems with vertigo which I still get some of yes, vision OK yes to fatigue but again mainly since shingles I think

Yes I have a strong family history on both sides, I also have a long history of severe depression and been on meds since 199, which the doctors are aware of. My dad has dementia now but has been showing signs for years and they think in his case, he had ECT in the past which can also cause memory problems and it has kind of joined in with the dementia, as far as I know.

I have the APOE4 gene and already joined the memory clinic research list so if I do have mild cognitive impairment I'm considering that sort of thing, do they keep you under review / contact I wonder.

Yes to the menopause but on HRT, yes to depression and probably yes to poly pharmacy as well.

I have been told by the clinic they regularly get cancellations so if I get my scan out of the way to email them and they will put me on the cancellations list, it's only up the road at the local hospital so that should be OK.

Thanks for your message, can I ask what happens if the person does have cognitive impairment but they think it is one or a combination of those things, do they write that to the GP? Thanks.

I have the APOE4 gene and already joined the memory clinic research list so if I do have mild cognitive impairment I'm considering that sort of thing, do they keep you under review / contact I wonder.

The DP of a friend in Canada is in a research protocol because his mother has dementia and he has the APOE4 gene. He undergoes periodic evaluations and diagnostic procedures. I imagine it would be similar in the UK.

OK thanks.

GP rang and told me the previous MRI scan is not enough because it was just for a nerve and not the brain so will need the ct scan.

He's asked me to keep a memory diary for the appointment, found something on amazon

A letter would go to the gp with possible other causes of the symptoms identified in the clinical history. Gp then hopefully looks to correct the outcomes. I guess everywhere works differently, though you must advocate for yourself to ensure the gps look at you holistically and don't just focus on possible dementia.

Are you on testosterone as well with your hrt? Although it can only be prescribed for low labido, women also report it helping their memory and brain fog.

Hey OP, if you are going private for the scan you would be better of having an MRI for memory clinic purposes- it tends to show a lot more than a CT- also there is no radiation.

I'm already booked in for the CT this afternoon, but thanks anyway. I guess I can get another scan if needed as the limit is £2500 for each problem. There is another MRI I had last year but not sure if its of any use as for something else but we'll see.

Bit stressed today and very emotional, think might be menopause though and getting some Estrogel later as the patches I have keep falling off. Who knows.

I met a friend yesterday who is older than me and is on some strong meds for bipolar, she was saying her memory is terrible also.

Thanks, yes they are pretty good to be honest, it is me who has been pushing for the referral due to my family history really. maybe I should ask for a copy of this letter to refer to.