Memory Disturbance and Dementia
Experiencing a difficulty with memory can be the first sign of dementia. However, it is important to know that there are a number of other treatable neurological and medical conditions such as chronic migraine, obstructive sleep apnoea, or anxiety and depression that can also result in problems with memory. This means that having symptoms of a disturbance in your memory does not always necessarily mean a diagnosis of dementia.
Dementia also does not necessarily mean that you need to have a problem with your memory. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and it usually presents with memory problems. However, there are other types of dementia that can present with very different symptoms. Certain types of dementia can present with progressive changes in behaviour or personality, or a disturbance in speech and language abilities, or even a disturbance in the way in which you process visual information. Furthermore, people who develop dementia under the age of 65 tend to have a wider range of presentations including symptoms of anxiety and depression which can often lead to a misdiagnosis.
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Some Forms of Dementia
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Alzheimer's Disease and its variants
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Lewy Body Dementia
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Parkinson's Disease Dementia
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Frontotemporal Dementia
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Primary Progressive Aphasia
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Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
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Corticobasal Degeneration
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Vascular Dementia
Amyloid PET scan for diagnosing
Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia Assessment
Careful assessment of symptoms with a neurologist combined with detailed neuro-psychological testing of your various cognitive functions is necessary for the accurate diagnosis of your condition.
In most cases, specialised investigations involving MRI scanning of your brain to look for any alteration to your brain structure, or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning of your brain to assess for any loss of cerebral function might also be required to confirm the diagnosis.
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We can now also perform a highly specialised blood test if we suspect the presence of Alzheimer's disease.
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Treatment for dementia
Medications
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If a diagnosis of Dementia has been established, a range of research-proven medications can then be commenced to try to improve the cognitive function of people who have certain types of dementia.
These treatments include Cognitive Enhancers such as Donepezil and Memantine which help to boost cognitive functioning by increasing the levels of certain neurochemicals in your brain.
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In cases where mood fluctuations are experienced, the addition of mood stabilising medications can also be potentially helpful.
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Importantly, if a diagnosis of early Alzheimer's Disease is made, there are now also new advanced treatments (Donanemab and Lecanemab) available that can slow the rate of progression of the condition. These treatments are known as Amyloid Targeting Therapies.
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Lifestyle Interventions
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However, the treatment of dementia involves more than just the use of medications and ultimately requires a holistic approach to care. A review of a person's lifestyle, including diet, exercise routines, and daily activities can help to improve one's longer term prognosis.
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Education and Support
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Being given a diagnosis of dementia will have a significant impact on a person and on their family. Understanding the nature of the condition, both from the perspective of the person suffering with the condition, and from the perspective of family members, is crucial in helping to provide the necessary long-term support so as to enable the person with dementia to have the best quality of life possible.
Enlisting the help of local services and supportive organisations like the Alzheimer's Society in this process can be invaluable.
Treatment with Amyloid Targeting Therapies
There are currently two Amyloid Targeting Therapies, approved in the UK since early 2025, for the treatment of early Alzheimer's Disease.
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Donanemab (Kisunla™)
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Lecanemab (Leqembi®)
These are currently only available privately as they have not been approved for use in the NHS due to the costs of these treatments.
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We are offering these new advanced treatments to patients at HCA Healthcare at London Bridge Hospital and you can find out more about these treatments here.
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HCA London bridge hospital
All of your dementia assessments and treatments will be carried out at London Bridge Hospital, a distinguished centre for excellence in healthcare in the centre of London, and part of the HCA Healthcare UK network of private hospitals.
Learn more about the similarities and differences between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
Find out more about our delivery of Amyloid Targeting Treatments at London Bridge Hospital.
See our press releases on the new Amyloid Targeting Treatments:
Donamemab and Lecanemab.
Collaboration with the Alzheimer's Society
My previous partnership with the Alzheimer's Society has been showcased in June/July 2017 publication of "Living Well With Dementia", the national magazine of the Alzheimer's Society.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/info/20228/junejuly_2017/1109/on_the_spot
Young Onset Dementia
Young onset dementia is dementia that affects people who are under 65 years of age. The different ways in which dementia presents in this age group can make the diagnosis more challenging. As a fair number of people with young onset dementia are still of working age, the impact on their lives is also significantly different and they often require different avenues of support.
You can find out more about Young Onset Dementia with the following links:
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