Memory and thinking difficulties
Most people notice their memory changing as they get older. It is helpful to determine which changes are not serious, and which are ones for which specific treatment and support are available.
At times, memory and thinking problems start to cause real difficulty with things like managing money, following a familiar recipe, keeping track of day-to-day life and appointments, or finding your way somewhere you know well. When the difficulty starts to affect daily life, or when the people around you have noticed a change, that is worth looking into properly.
Not every memory problem is dementia. It is important to look at anything else that may be contributing. Thyroid disease, vitamin deficiency, depression, poor sleep, hearing loss, alcohol and a great many common medications can all affect memory and concentration. A careful assessment can help work out what is behind the changes that have been noticed.
Where there is an underlying condition, knowing what it is helps. It makes it possible to plan, to put the right support in place, to consider treatment where treatment exists, and to sort out practical matters such as power of attorney.
How Professor Henderson can help
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A full assessment of memory and thinking, including cognitive testing.
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Looking for treatable causes: blood tests, medication review, and consideration of mood, sleep and hearing.
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Arranging and explaining brain imaging where it is needed, including what a scan can and cannot tell you. All brain scans ordered by Professor Henderson are reported by an expert neuroradiologist.
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Reaching a diagnosis where one can be made.
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Discussing treatment options, and what can reasonably be expected from them.
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Practical advice on driving, on planning ahead, and on the support available to you and your family.