Throughout the last decade there has been a good deal of focus from the healthcare profession on the onset and treatment of dementia’s especially Alzheimer’s disease. The number of dementia cases is on the increase and 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 6 over the age of 80 will have some form of dementia.* The commonest form of dementia is Alzheimer’s accounting for about 60% cases of dementia, while the second most common type is vascular dementia accounting for approximately 17% of the cases.

It has now been recognised that Alzheimer’s, like many other illnesses, if detected early could be treated with medication which can help to prevent or slow down the progression of symptoms. In March 2011, NICE issued revised guidance to allow for the provision of drug treatment for people in the early stages of the disease.

Now, with the possibility of drug treatment available for those diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, Lifescan in conjunction with a specialist Consultant Psychiatrist has developed the Lifescan Memory Check service. This specialist health check offers those aged 65 and over, the opportunity of a screening service which can help lead to early diagnosis and the possibility to receive treatment for this disease.  Early intervention and treatment of this disease can help in slowing down the progression of the symptoms and maintaining independence.

What's involved

Personal Questionnaire

A specially trained individual will undertake an interview recording your concerns regarding, your memory,  your day to day functioning, your medical history, and your family history. This will also include any other current concerns you may have.  We will also seek the views of a relative or friend if possible, to assess whether those closest to you have any concerns regarding any of the above.

Objective Memory Assessment

A cognitive memory assessment will also be undertaken. This Assessment will comprise of several questions and tasks aimed at establishing how well your memory is working at the time of your appointment.  This Assessment uses recognised memory assessment tools and scoring mechanisms developed purely for the screening of dementia.

Blood tests

A comprehensive set of blood tests are undertaken, primarily to establish whether there are any underlying and previously undiagnosed illnesses which may have an impact on your memory. These include; full blood count, B12/folate, kidney function, thyroid function, detectors for undiagnosed inflammation and cholesterol to check your cardiovascular risk.

In total your appointment will take approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted at one of Lifescan’s Centres by specially trained individuals, all working under the clinical supervision of our Consultant Psychiatrist.

After your appointment all the information and results will be sent to our Consultant Psychiatrist who will assess all this and consider if any other investigations are required, including the possbility of a brain scan.  There will be an additional cost for the scan which if completed by Lifescan will be £175.  It is estimated that approximately 10-15% of patients will require a scan.

Once all investigations are completed, you and your GP will receive a full and detailed report advising on the next course of action.

Appointments for the Lifescan Memory Check can be made via our internal Patient Advice Centre and can be booked for our Centres in Guildford or Manchester.  This service is only available to those aged 65 and over.