Dementia Assessment

[Sailingby]

DF (91) is living independently in a flat in a retirement village. He’s getting increasingly forgetful and showing what I believe are signs of dementia.
I’ve called his GP to ask for a dementia assessment - but they have just given him a 10min appointment. That can’t be long enough for an assessment? Or is it?

I live 2-3 hours away, so would attend the assessment- but if it’s just a quick chat and confirmation that he needs an assessment, I won’t. I’m sending them the LPA (so they can speak to me) - but that won’t be processed through their system until after the appointment.

I mentioned to my wife's GP that I thought she had signs of dementia. The GP did a quick memory test and refered her to a specialist for a full dementia assessment. There is about a three month wait for that.

In my experience a GP dementia assessment is just a series of meaningless questions followed by fobbing off the family and saying there’s nothing wrong. We had this about 3 times before we got a referral to the memory clinic (who were also useless). Sorry OP I don’t mean to worry you but I don’t think a 10 minute assessment is going to be immensely helpful.

That’s really helpful, thanks. Sorry to hear there was a 3 month wait. That must have been hard.

Gp assessment is quick but will use a validated screening questionnaire. It will help a lot of someone goes with him (appreciate you are far away) as for some questions the GP may need someone to confirm that your Dad's answers are true. This was an issue with FIL who had never gone to appointments with MIL and didn't see why he should start now.

My DM's GP didn't just want the LPA, they wanted a signed letter separately to say they could speak to me. We literally just wrote one sentence on a scrap of paper and that apparently made them happy.

Initial assessment will include a few questions and answers. This will help with identifying any issues related to the memory. If not mentioned then do ask for a memory clinic referral. Remember to get your contact details on the form so that you have all the information including reminders for the appointment date and time.

The GP will do a very basic assessment which will either lead to a referral to the psychiatrist of old age, or not, depending on the score. The 10 min appointment is a standard starting place for any medical issues.

@Lampan do you mind me asking what happened after that? We're in a similar situation - GP did quick test, referred to memory clinic, which was a nine month wait. Clinic did fuller assessment, scores were pretty bad, but only got a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment. That was over a year ago - the cognition has got much worse since then, but there's been precisely zero follow up in terms of support, repeat assessment etc. What happened in your case, after memory clinic were useless?

@tobyj we were basically on our own and extremely fortunate that we could afford care at home - not only that but found some wonderful carers to do it as well. We had absolutely zero support other than a couple of visits from some nurse who basically told us what we were doing wrong (and suggesting why not just sit with her and play some board games?) - she was deliberately minimising the struggles we were having - I suppose cos by admitting the scale of the problem they would have had to offer more support.
After care at home became unmanageable we had a saga trying to find a suitable care home, but happy to report we found an absolutely amazing place who supported her and us until she died recently.
Sorry I can’t paint a brighter picture! but this is the reality and it makes me to angry

Thanks @Lampan . I'm sorry it was so hard. Though, based on what I've seen so far - not surprised.

Cognitive tests by GP just gives an indication of memory issues. If someone has more dangerous symptoms eg driving problems then a MRI is needed. These are not definitive. A lumbar puncture is needed to confirm. Check out the Alzheimer's UK website and also with local support groups. You need to push the GP surgeries to get help, info for carers, funding etc. Basically it's hard work. Surgeries aren't always up to date with ICB (integrated care boards) processes. Check out NHS CHC continuous health care possibilities.
Basically any relative with LPA and responsible for aged parents or husbands and wives with dementia will have v tough times ahead. Sorry to say.