Private dementia assessments in Birmingham

Private dementia assessments, diagnosis, and treatment plans.

At the Priory Hospital in Birmingham, we provide specialist services for dementia, including a private dementia assessment to get a fast diagnosis.

The service is led by Dr Upul Fernando, a consultant in geriatric and general internal medicine who specialises in dementia care. Our service delivers a fast and accurate diagnoses and customised treatment plans – all with the help of a compassionate and highly skilled team of experts.

If you or a loved one notices memory changes and other symptoms of dementia, our early screening and diagnostic service can provide reassurance and clear answers.

An early diagnosis offers patients and families the power to act – unlocking access to the most effective treatment options and guiding better care planning and quality of life.

We go beyond simply diagnosing dementia. We identify its root cause and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to the specific type of dementia.

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life. This includes memory loss, difficulty thinking or problem-solving, language issues, and changes in behaviour or personality. It is caused by various brain disorders, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common, followed by vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

While dementia becomes more common with age, it is not a normal part of aging. Most forms are progressive and incurable, although some symptoms can be effectively managed.

Who should consider a dementia assessment?

You should consider booking a private dementia assessment if:

You or someone close to you is becoming increasingly forgetful, confused, or disoriented
A family member struggles with daily activities or is withdrawing socially
Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour are becoming noticeable
You have been advised by a GP about cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
You wish to seek a second opinion or avoid long NHS waiting times
You have a family history of dementia and you wish to pursue early screening

Not all memory difficulties are caused by dementia.

Our comprehensive approach ensures that other conditions, such as depression, medication side effects, and vitamin deficiencies, are carefully ruled out before you get a diagnosis.

Some of the most common symptoms of dementia include:

Memory loss, especially short-term (e.g., forgetting recent events or conversations)
Difficulty with planning or problem-solving (e.g., managing finances, following a recipe)
Confusion about time or place
Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships (e.g., judging distances, getting lost)
Language problems, such as struggling to find words or follow conversations
Poor judgment or decision-making
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour (e.g., becoming anxious, suspicious, or easily upset)
Difficulty performing familiar tasks (e.g., dressing, cooking, or using appliances)

Our structured diagnostic pathway is designed to be thorough, supportive, and patient-centred. You will experience:

A detailed clinical consultation and cognitive testing with Dr. Fernando
Screening questionnaires assessing memory, daily function, and behaviour
Blood tests to exclude reversible causes (e.g., thyroid disease, vitamin B12 deficiency)
Detailed cognitive validated assessment
Advanced brain imaging (MRI or CT scans) to identify structural or vascular changes
Comprehensive medication review to identify any cognitive side effects
Formulation of a personalised treatment and care plan

Following the assessment, you will receive a clear diagnosis (if applicable), an explanation of the findings, and a bespoke treatment and management plan based on the type of dementia you have been diagnosed with.

Recognising that dementia is an umbrella term for various conditions, we offer treatment options tailored to the specific subtype of dementia, which may include:

Alzheimer's disease

Medication: Initiation of cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine) to support memory and cognitive function.
NMDA receptor antagonist (e.g., Memantine) in moderate-to-severe stages to manage symptoms.
Lifestyle modification advice, including cognitive stimulation therapies and physical activity.
Monitoring and adjustment of treatment over time to maintain function and quality of life.

Vascular dementia

Optimisation of vascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol) to slow progression.
Antiplatelet therapy (if appropriate) to prevent further vascular damage.
Advice on stroke prevention and secondary prevention strategies.
Cognitive rehabilitation and support for executive function impairment.

Lewy body dementia

Careful use of cholinesterase inhibitors (which can be particularly beneficial for cognitive and psychiatric symptoms).
Management of Parkinsonian symptoms with judicious use of medications.
Sensitive management of hallucinations and REM sleep disorder, avoiding medications that worsen symptoms.
Collaboration with neurology specialists if needed.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)

Non-pharmacological strategies focused on managing behavioural changes, disinhibition, or speech difficulties.
Speech and language therapy input for patients with primary progressive aphasia.
Support for carers, given the particular challenges associated with behavioural variants.

Mixed dementia

Combination approach targeting both Alzheimer's pathology and vascular risk factors.
Individualised therapy depending on the predominant clinical features

Following diagnosis, we provide:

Clear communication of the findings in a sensitive and understandable manner
Treatment initiation when appropriate
Planning support for Power of Attorney, driving assessments (DVLA notifications), and future care needs
Follow-up appointments to monitor disease progression, adjust treatment, and offer ongoing support

At every stage, we prioritise patient autonomy, dignity, and quality of life.

Managing dementia at home with the support of a loved one can be a challenging, rooted in patience, understanding, and routine. Creating a calm, familiar environment helps the person with dementia feel safe and secure, while structured daily activities can provide stability and reduce confusion. Loved ones play a vital role by offering emotional support, assisting with tasks, and encouraging independence where possible. Seeking help from healthcare professionals, community resources, and support groups can also ease the caregiving journey and ensure both the person with dementia and their caregiver feel supported and valued.