Any memory or cognitive changes that concern you or those close to you warrant a visit to the GP, geriatrician or other local health professional.
If you feel that you or a family member may have dementia, and you haven’t received a diagnosis, you should contact your GP. The GP will schedule a consultation to explore what might be causing the symptoms you have reported. Memory and other thinking problems have many possible causes, including depression, an infection, or medication side effects. Sometimes, the problem can be treated, and cognition improves. Finding the cause of the problems is important for determining the best course of action. Once you know the cause, you can make the right treatment plan. Once the GP has ruled out other potential causes, they will refer you to a specialist for further tests. If a diagnosis is made, the GP and/or Primary Care Team (Health Centre) will draw up a care plan with you. Depending on the type of dementia and its stage, a range of healthcare professionals may be involved.
