How to get a dementia diagnosis in Scotland: a step-by-step guide
Quick answer
In Scotland, start by seeing your GP (family doctor), ideally with someone who knows you well. The GP will ask about symptoms, do a short memory test and arrange blood tests to rule out other causes. If needed, they will refer you to a memory clinic or older people’s mental health team. Everyone diagnosed is entitled to at least a year of post-diagnostic support.
If you’re worried about your own memory, or someone close to you, getting a clear answer can feel daunting. Knowing what to expect at each stage can make it easier.
Step 1: See your GP
Book an appointment and, if possible, take someone who knows you well. They can describe changes they’ve noticed and help you remember what was said. It helps to write down:
- What changes you’ve noticed and when they started
- Examples of how they affect daily life
- All the medicines and supplements you take
- Any family history of dementia
Step 2: Initial checks
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and health, examine you and may ask you to do a short memory test. There is no single test for dementia, so they will also look for other causes. In NHS Lothian, for example, the recommended blood tests include a full blood count, vitamin B12, folate, kidney, liver and thyroid function, calcium and glucose. Urine tests may be done if an infection is suspected.
A short memory test can show that something needs looking into, but it can’t diagnose dementia on its own.
Step 3: Referral to a specialist
In Scotland, a dementia diagnosis is confirmed by a specialist. Each Health and Social Care Partnership organises its own services, but referrals usually go to an older people’s mental health team (generally for people over 65) or a memory assessment service. Younger people may be seen by a young-onset dementia service where one exists.
The specialist team will do a more detailed memory assessment, such as the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III), and may arrange a brain scan such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A scan that looks normal doesn’t rule out dementia.
Step 4: Diagnosis and next steps
If dementia is diagnosed, the specialist should explain the type, what to expect, treatment options and who will coordinate your support. Medicines, if suitable, are started by the specialist team.
Your right to post-diagnostic support
The Scottish Government guarantees at least one year of post-diagnostic support for everyone newly diagnosed with dementia. A Post Diagnostic Support Link Worker, from Alzheimer Scotland or the NHS depending on where you live, helps you understand the diagnosis, stay connected, meet others and plan for the future. Ask your doctor or community mental health nurse for a referral.
Alzheimer Scotland’s free 24-hour Dementia Helpline is 0808 808 3000.
If you’re told it isn’t dementia
Sometimes tests show memory changes that aren’t severe enough for a diagnosis, often called mild cognitive impairment, or the results come back normal even though you still feel something is wrong. This can be a good time to look in more detail at what may be affecting memory, such as sleep, hormones, nutrition, blood sugar and inflammation. Our Cognoscopy is designed for this and works alongside, not instead of, NHS care.
Common questions
Do I need to see my GP to get a dementia diagnosis in Scotland?
Yes. On the NHS, your GP is the first step. They do initial checks and, if needed, refer you to a memory assessment service or older people's mental health team, where the diagnosis is confirmed.
What is post-diagnostic support in Scotland?
Everyone newly diagnosed with dementia in Scotland is entitled to at least one year of support from a trained Link Worker, who helps you understand the diagnosis, stay connected and plan for the future.
What tests are used to diagnose dementia?
There is no single test. Diagnosis combines a history from you and someone who knows you, memory tests such as the ACE-III, blood tests to rule out other causes and sometimes a brain scan.
Sources
- NHS. Getting diagnosed with dementia. www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/diagnosis
- NHS. Tests for diagnosing dementia. www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/tests
- NHS Lothian RefHelp. Dementia. apps.nhslothian.scot/refhelp/guidelines/mentalhealthadult/cognitivedifficultiesadult/dementia
- Alzheimer Scotland. Post diagnostic support. www.alzscot.org/about-us/care/post-diagnostic-support
- Alzheimer Scotland. Newly diagnosed. www.alzscot.org/what-is-dementia/newly-diagnosed
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice. Please speak to your GP or a qualified practitioner before making changes to medication or treatment.