What to expect from a mental health assessment for dementia

The clinician may ask about memory, language, attention, orientation, personality, sleep, mood, and changes over time. They may use brief tasks involving recall, words, drawing, or concentration. These tasks show which areas need more assessment; they do not by themselves establish the cause.

Questions about medicines, alcohol, hearing, vision, pain, thyroid problems, recent illness, and mood matter because these can affect thinking. The clinician may ask a relative or friend what they have observed, with your agreement where possible. The review also considers cooking, finances, driving, medicines, personal care, and safety at home.

Bring a medicine list, relevant medical information, and a person who knows your recent changes if you are comfortable. Note examples with dates or situations, such as missed appointments, repeated questions, getting lost, or difficulty managing familiar tasks. Ask for explanations in plain language and take written notes.

Further steps may include physical checks, blood tests, brain imaging, specialist review, memory support, or treatment for mood and sleep problems. A diagnosis may require more than one appointment, and the plan should include practical support for the person and family.

Seek urgent help for sudden confusion, new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, a seizure, or a recent head injury. These changes can signal an emergency and should not wait for a routine memory assessment. Seek prompt help if there is immediate risk from wandering, unsafe driving, falls, neglect, or self-harm.

Ask: What could be affecting the memory changes? Which tests are needed? What safety changes are sensible now? How can family help? Who will explain the results, and when is follow-up planned?