So what happens at the memory clinic?

[tgisue]

Hello all

Following my previous post about his reluctance to go, I am going with my dad on Wednesday to the memory clinic. He decided he needs a diagnosis one way or the other.

Can anyone tell me if we will be given the likelihood of a diagnosis at the end of the appointment, or will that come after a brain scan?

Just wanted to have an idea of what to expect.

Many thanks

Sue

 

[marionq]

Our consultant did a test, spoke to John on his own, spoke to me on my own, arranged a brain scan, after that we went back to see her and she showed us the shrinkage. At that stage he had mild Alz probably stage 4 and is now at the end of stage 6. The diagnosis was 7 years ago.

At some stage when they have done all they can they will ask if you wish to be discharged. I asked not to be discharged and continued to go every 6 months or so until the end of last year. I wanted all the info going and that John was a patient and not just a passing name on a file. We built up a good relationship with the consultant.

John is now much less mobile and dragging him to clinics is not making a lot of sense nowadays.

 

[Beate]

I doubt you will get a diagnosis straight away. Most likely the consultant will speak to you both and ask for symptoms plus do a memory test. He should then organise a brain scan and call you in again when the results come in.

 

[Sirena]

I think it must vary. My mother was diagnosed with dementia (but not which type) before the MRI. She had several visits and the verdict was either sent in a letter shortly afterwards, or by the doctor ringing me. I don't think anything was said at the actual visit. For the last 18 months she was at home, the CPN did a home visit every 3 months. But that was just how that particular clinic worked, others may be different.

 

[maryjoan]

Hello all

Following my previous post about his reluctance to go, I am going with my dad on Wednesday to the memory clinic. He decided he needs a diagnosis one way or the other.

Can anyone tell me if we will be given the likelihood of a diagnosis at the end of the appointment, or will that come after a brain scan?

Just wanted to have an idea of what to expect.

Many thanks

Sue

Our experience was totally different from @marionq. OH had a brain scan when in a different hospital with a life threatening illness - they did not tell me they were doing the scan. He was dying, but eventually recovered after major surgery.
The scan was sent to the main hospital in a different county, and I was surprised when I saw it at the Memory Clinic - I did not know they had it. They pointed out to us the damage in his brain, which was considerable - he was not interested at all.
The consultant just said he would give us a couple of weeks to 'take it all in' and we would get a follow up appt at the local hospital.
I thought that was rather abrupt and did not explain anything, but imagined that the local hospital would explain more.
We turned up there - again OH not interested - and did not see anyone medical, but a very nice Alzheimer's Socy lady who gave us some leaflets, and that was that.
Fortunately the leaflets gave this website - otherwise I would have been up a creek without a paddle.
We have had no further appts, there is no follow on, no monitoring - it's all down the the GP now.
and that's another story.......... but DO ask questions, and stay on here.