How effective is GP consultation for dementia?

The GP may ask when changes began, how they affect cooking, finances, work, driving or medicines, and whether someone close has noticed a difference. They can review sleep, mood, hearing, medicines and physical health, then consider examination or tests. Memory symptoms do not establish dementia by themselves; assessment helps identify other causes and decide whether specialist review is appropriate.

Write down examples of changes, their timing and any impact on daily tasks. Bring a medicine list and, if the person agrees, invite someone who knows their usual abilities. Mention falls, low mood, sleep problems, hearing or vision difficulty and episodes of confusion. Ask about practical support, follow-up and how decisions will be shared with the person concerned.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden confusion, new weakness, facial drooping, speech trouble, severe headache, collapse, a head injury or unusual drowsiness. A rapid change is different from gradual memory difficulty and may signal a serious illness. Arrange a GP review for steadily worsening memory, medication mistakes, getting lost or safety concerns at home.

Ask which causes should be checked, whether testing or specialist referral is needed, how to manage driving and medicines, what support is available, and which changes require urgent help.