Dementia

Get a diagnosis

If you or your loved one's memory is getting worse, it does not necessarily mean they are developing dementia.

Read the Alzheimer's Society guide 'How can I tell if I have dementia' for more information.

However, if you are worried about your or your loved one's memory, make an appointment with:

• your or their doctor: find your local GP
• a healthcare professional
• the Essex Dementia and Frailty service, located at Chelmsford, Epping, and Harlow

You could suggest that you go along with them.

How to talk about difficult subjects

Raising the issue of memory loss - and possibly dementia - can be difficult. These guides may help:

• NHS advice on how to talk about it
• Alzheimer's Society advice on conversations about dementia

Referral to a memory assessment service

Your GP may refer you or your loved one to a memory assessment service, or a 'memory clinic'.

There they will provide an assessment of your situation, diagnose your condition, and can link you into a wide range of support services.

Visit Dementia and Memory Assessment Services for details of your local memory service.