All Conditions

Memory Problems & Dementia.

Assessment for memory changes, confusion, cognitive decline, and concerns about dementia.

Memory problems can come from many different causes, and the pattern matters. Some are neurological, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular cognitive impairment, Parkinson's-related cognitive change, frontotemporal dementia, or other forms of dementia. Others are potentially reversible or treatable, including depression, anxiety, sleep problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, medication side effects, infections, pain, sensory impairment, or metabolic problems. The difference matters because not every memory complaint is dementia, and early assessment can identify causes that should not be missed. A useful consultation looks at the pattern of forgetfulness, attention, language, judgement, orientation, daily functioning, behaviour change, medical history, medications, and family observations. It also asks whether the person is managing finances, medicines, appointments, cooking, driving, work, and household responsibilities safely. When needed, cognitive screening and investigations can help clarify the next step, support family planning, and avoid delaying care when cognition is changing over time. These details help separate normal forgetfulness from cognitive decline that deserves structured follow-up.

When to seek help

Seek assessment if memory or thinking changes are persistent, worsening, noticed by family, affecting finances or medicines, causing getting lost, or interfering with work and home responsibilities. Urgent care is needed for sudden confusion, weakness, severe headache, fever, seizure, or abrupt cognitive change.

How we can help

Common questions

Does forgetfulness always mean dementia?
No. Forgetfulness can come from stress, poor sleep, depression, anxiety, vitamin deficiency, thyroid disease, medication effects, or normal ageing. Dementia is more likely when there is progressive decline that affects daily functioning, judgement, orientation, language, or independence.
Should a family member attend the appointment?
It is often helpful. Memory problems can be hard for the person to describe accurately, and family observations about daily functioning, behaviour change, finances, medication use, or getting lost can improve diagnostic accuracy.
Can memory problems be treated?
Some causes are reversible or treatable, especially sleep, mood, medication-related, vitamin, thyroid, and metabolic contributors. Dementia care may not reverse the condition, but early diagnosis can still improve planning, support, safety, and symptom management.